Herman Miller Lounge Chair and Ottoman Eames  

Keeping pieces original ( leather)
I just want to let you all know that unless the leather is in pieces or has severe cracking it can easily be restored either by a professional like myself or with a DIY kit we have created. I have restored hundreds of Lounge chairs, Eames chairs, barcelonas etc. I even have an Eames piece of my own I decided to make a custom color antiqued moss ( we can create kits to even change the color if you have brown and want to go to black etc.
We do replace the leather when it is too bad, and have pieces shipped to us from around the states along with Wassily pieces and making new barcelona straps and cushions.
It is always best to keep original leather if possible- the value is held much more- the original poster here said he had a piece he liked but the leather was worn- it can easily be resolved without needing to get into $6000 transatlantic auctions!
If you would like more info please feel free to email me David@ADVLeather.com I am the VP of Product Development. You can also see some restorations done by homeowners at www.DIYLeatherSolutions.com ( sorry, no Herman miller chair before and afters yet!)
Hope this is of help to someone here with a nice piece but aging leather.
Best wishes
David Oliver
http://www.DIYLeatherSolutions.com

Well, well, seek and ye...
Well, well, seek and ye shall find. I found a drawing done by Charles Kratka in 1958 showing an exploded view of the lounge/ottoman. Guess what the description for the seat cushions says?
"OTTOMAN & CHAIR SEAT CUSHIONS
Identically constructed and are interchangeable.
Fabric covering zippered to a vulcanized fibre back.
Filled with a feather and down envelope around a block of foam rubber."
BACK CUSHIONS
Identically constructed and interchangeable.
Fabric covering zippered to a vulcanized fibre-back.
Filled with a down and feather envelope.
Covered buttons
ARMS
12 guage formed steel plate.
Cushioned with foam rubber bonded to the plate.
Covered with fabric to match seat and back"
This was published in 1958. So it would appear that there has always been some kind of foam inside the seat and ottoman. Also, these chairs were available in naugahyde and cloth up until 1962.
Feel better now? 🙂
fm

eames knock off
I just redeid an Eames knock off, but it is not very comfortable. I would like to use a material that will give that overstuffed comfortable feel. What would you suggest?

Hi
Down and feathers.

Wow!
I have learned so much by following this thread. Now in 2014, is there a book out yet dedicated to the subject of the Eames Lounge Chair? There is so much to learn about this iconic masterpiece. Now I want to find myself a mint original 1960's chair and ottoman. If anyone has one for sale, please email me at: davidhunternyc@gmail.com

Is there a book?
Of course.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1858943027