Preproduction DCM (Dining Chair Metal)

Ray and Charles Eames developed their line of compound-molded plywood furniture following World War II. An exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art, New York, in 1946 brought the Eameses national recognition, as well as the attention of Herman Miller. That same year, Herman Miller became the distributor for the Eames furniture manufactured by the Molded Plywood Division of Evan Products; in 1949 Miller took over manufacturing as well. As the Eameses expanded their line, they experimented with a variety of different finishes and woods. The exterior face of the plywood that forms the seat and back of this chair is veneered in vividly grained elm, a bold option that fell beyond their regular production.