'Toys and games are the preludes to serious ideas': inside the Eames' toy collection
'Toys and Play' is a virtual showcase from The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity, illustrating the toys that inspired Ray and Charles Eames throughout their careers
'Toys and Play' is the latest instalment of The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity's exhibition programme, featuring the toys and games that have inspired Ray and Charles Eames in their work.
Toys were a big part of the pair's oeuvre, from plywood elephant to their series of games, including the recently-reissued Little Toy, but also explorations on themes of
dressing up, masks on trees, toy houses and educational initiatives. 'Toys are really not as innocent as they look. Toys and games are the preludes to serious ideas,' Charles Eames wrote in 1961.
'Toys and Play' at The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity
The 901 Washington Boulevard office was filled with toys, which they used to play as well as as case studies for developing their design ideas. Toys were archived in special boxes, or used around the space to create moments of pause and pleasure. 'By incorporating the items into their everyday practice, the Eameses honoured that spirit with which the objects were created,' writes Sam Grawe in a text accompanying the exhibition. 'Leaving a mechanism unwound or a ball unbounced negates the purpose of the toy itself, and belies a full understanding of its properties or abilities. In this sense the Eameses were truly fans. When Charles called the Superball a “great and elegant” design, he meant it!'
The virtual exhibition includes a great collection of spinning tops from different eras and countries, paper kites in the form of animals, puppets, ancient board games, toy boats and wheeled carts, plus a series of classics such as Enzo Mari's '16 Animali' puzzle and 1964 Superballs.
'In one of his 1953 Berkeley lectures Charles prototyped the notion of toys and games leading to serious ideas', continues Grawe, who also authored a book on the topic out on 11 December 2023. 'He states that “not having lived long enough, children are naturally uninhibited and see everything as new and interesting; they are observing and associating all the time, and there are great truths in things done unconsciously by children.” But some 20 years later, in Perry Miller Adato’s film An Eames Celebration, he gives the game away. “Toys are not really for children,” he reveals. “Toys are really for adults—especially grandparents.”'
'Toys and Play' can be browsed via the Eames Institute website
The exhibition catalogue 'Artifacts from the Eames Collection: Toys & Play' is out on 11 December 2023
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Rosa Bertoli was born in Udine, Italy, and now lives in London. Since 2014, she has been the Design Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees design content for the print and online editions, as well as special editorial projects. Through her role at Wallpaper*, she has written extensively about all areas of design. Rosa has been speaker and moderator for various design talks and conferences including London Craft Week, Maison & Objet, The Italian Cultural Institute (London), Clippings, Zaha Hadid Design, Kartell and Frieze Art Fair. Rosa has been on judging panels for the Chart Architecture Award, the Dutch Design Awards and the DesignGuild Marks. She has written for numerous English and Italian language publications, and worked as a content and communication consultant for fashion and design brands.
-
The future of Salone del Mobile: new report quantifies impact of the world's biggest furniture fair
For the first time, Salone del Mobile reports on its size and impact. ‘Milan Design (Eco) System’ puts Salone into numbers, allowing its future and challenges to be addressed
By Cristina Kiran Piotti Published
-
Farshid Moussavi’s new house in Hove is about ‘what you need and nothing more’
A new house in Hove, designed by Farshid Moussavi for her parents, hits the right notes between functional and minimalist in the British seaside town
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Complex and stimulating, Federico Stefanovich's industrial designs act like a bridge between culture and economics
In a rapidly changing world, the route designers take to discover their calling is increasingly circuitous. Here Federico Stefanovich tells us about his increasing desire to find his own path
By Hugo Macdonald Published
-
Eames Little Toy offers myriad possibilities to build and play
The reissue of Eames Little Toy is an open-ended invitation to build, expanding the legacy of Ray and Charles Eames
By Rosa Bertoli Published
-
Expert tips for collecting Eames furniture
An Eames of Your Own is The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity’s latest guide, offering top tips for aspiring collectors of Eames furniture designs
By Rosa Bertoli Published
-
Dine on an Eames table at Oakland’s Snail Bar
‘Tables! Tables! Tables!’ is an Eames Institute pop-up (until 12 June 2023) at Oakland’s Snail Bar, celebrating the link between food and design
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity celebrates a pioneering design legacy
Launched by the designers’ granddaughter Llisa Demetrios and Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia, the digital portal makes Charles and Ray Eames’ processes and works available to all
By Pei-Ru Keh Last updated
-
Life and times: the Barbican celebrates the world of Charles and Ray Eames
By Rosa Bertoli Last updated