Ray Eames was a pioneering artist and designer who worked alongside her husband, Charles Eames, to develop a mid-century modern aesthetic that still influences design and visual culture decades later. Her approach to design was innovative—blending aesthetics, function, and playfulness—leaving an indelible mark on the world of art and design.
Born Bernice Alexandra Kaiser in Sacramento, California, she developed an early passion for art. After studying art in New York, she enrolled at Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan, where she met Charles Eames. The two married in 1941 and moved to Los Angeles, where they began their iconic partnership in design.
Ray Eames played a critical role in developing the innovative molded plywood furniture that made the Eames name famous. During World War II, she and Charles designed lightweight, durable leg splints for the U.S. Navy, which informed their later work in furniture design. Their breakthrough came with the 1946 Eames Lounge Chair Wood (LCW), which remains a celebrated piece in modern furniture design.
Ray Eames also worked extensively on graphic design, textiles, and exhibition design. She was instrumental in producing a series of innovative films with Charles, including Powers of Ten (1977), which explored the relative scale of the universe. These films showcased her deep understanding of visual storytelling and educational media.
Ray Eames died in 1988 at the age of 75 and was buried next to Charles, who had died 10 years earlier. Her accomplishments were often overlooked during her lifetime, and her work was often attributed to her husband. “Anything I can do,” Charles Eames once said, “Ray can do better.” In more recent years, Ray Eames has received more recognition for her contributions, as well as her iconic fashion sense and personal style.
