Mid Century/Eames Discussion

[Duer 157099]

So here's what I've been thinking, and would like to hear perspectives of those of you familiar with this genre.

In June, the post office is issuing an Eames series of stamps.



I've never paid much attention to stamps and whether they have any impact on popular culture. But I wonder if this will cause any sort of broadening of interest in Eames era things (and in particular, those items that are depicted on the stamps themselves).

Or, the converse could be true: it will make Eames era stuff even more common than previously, because lots of manufacturers will make more Eames-style stuff.

So, I can look at this either way, and have no historical reference point for other similar situations.

Thoughts?

(edit to correct stamp issue date: June 17th - would be Charles Eames 100th birthday)

[grasswire]

1. Eames is apparently the new Stickley...

...in terms of attraction to a brand.

[eleny]

2. Here's a blog you might enjoy

This man lives in Illinois and tries to find most of his modern things at the thrift. He's quite serious about his collecting. I've followed his blog for some time now and am always thrilled to learn something new form his research.

Ars Longa ---> http://sllab.net/

Congrats, btw, on the Waverly find. That's some cute tray!

[lavenderdiva]

3. Design Within Reach is still selling Eames items

link here: http://www.dwr.com/p2p/searchResults.do?method=view&search=basic&keyword=eames&sortby=ourPicks&page=1

there are some beautiful items....

[sufrommich]

4. Are those licensed reproductions?

They certainly are in pristine shape.Perhaps the Eames brand is being reintroduced? I don't know.Anyone?

[Duer 157099]

6. I think they are legit

Follow that link above to the official Eames site (run by family members), they talk about this sort of thing.

What I don't know is: when "new* versions of vintage items are introduced to the market, what effect does that have on the bona fide *vintage* items? Does it make them even more collectible, because they are "authentic" (aged) or does it devalue them because anyone can still get an actual authentic item, albeit newly made?

There must be other examples of this in the market, I just haven't followed the trend.

[sufrommich]

5. I think the popularity of Ikea has helped make the design style

of what is now being called the Eames Era widely popular. I was really hoping that products from that era would stay under the radar for a couple more years so I could build up an inexpensive collection. I still don't find mid century stuff in the antique stores around here(Detroit suburbs),as if the dealers are having a hard time considering the era "worthy" yet.I still find very good stuff at garage sales,flea markets and thrift stores,although not as easily as I did just a year ago.I guess it's just a matter of time before prices start really reflecting the popularity of the era.

[grasswire]

7. yep, get it now while you can

Out here in the Pacific Northwest, even though it's hot for decorating and there are whole stores devoted to it, there are still plenty of items to be found at estates, rummage, etc.

[Vinca]

8. I don't know about what impact a stamp has, but my experience

selling indicates anything from the Eames era is hot. I'm always on the lookout for Noguchi and other lamps, mid-century pottery and, of course, the furniture. One of the strangest lamps I ever found - and never managed to identify - was a floor lamp that looked like a collection of giant, upright cigarettes on a chrome base. The white tubes had discolored over the years and it still sold within a week.

[Duer 157099]

9. Kicking back up since now we can start watching to see

if we notice any change in interest in mid-century design.

BTW, I noticed several sellers on ebay selling the new Eames stamps.

But before any of you go that route, don't forget to check here first:

https://shop.usps.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatalogSearchResultView?storeId=10001&catalogId=10152&langId=-1&pageSize=8&beginIndex=0&sType=AdvancedSearch&resultType=2&searchTerm=eames&searchTermScope=4