Although it’s too late to win this incredible customized Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman by The Hip Hop Architect, aka Michael Ford, and furniture company Herman Miller, it’s worth sharing the unique piece of furniture and the story behind it.
Michael Ford Custom Eames Lounge & Ottoman
The Michael Ford Custom Eames Lounge made in conjunction with Herman Miller.
In his first piece of furniture, Michael Ford remixed the ever popular Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman (ELO) introduced in 1956 by husband and wife, Charles and Ray Eames as a “special refuge from the strains of modern living” with handwritten names of victims of racism in the U.S. as a stark reminder that these Black men, women, and children were not afforded the privilege of refuge – those who died at the hands of racial actions.
In order to spark a dialogue, furniture company Herman Miller together with Ford hosted a virtual tour of “The Mike Ford remixed Eames Lounge Chair” for a series called #ConversationsForChange.
The Eames Lounge Chair and ottoman (ELO) traveled across the United States from Jan 18th through February 2021 where people of influence like those shown below (activists, actors, artists, and design professionals) sat in the chair and had honest conversations with Ford about racial inequity, social justice, and hope via Instagram Live.
One lucky donator was given the opportunity to be awarded the chair as funds were raised for @thehiphopachitecturecamp, The Boys and Girls Club of Dane County (@bgcd) and other organizations doing the work on the ground. The recipient of the chair even got to pick which names they wanted on the Eames lounge and ottoman.
The famous Eames Lounge Chair was defined by Charles and Ray Eames as a “special refuge from the strains of modern living.” I was inspired by this definition and remixed the Lounge chair to include the names of the many Black men, women, and children who were not afforded the privilege of refuge. – Michael Ford
The two organizations will also create a grant to support organizations around the country that are taking a stand for social justice.
• Herman Miller
• Michael Ford