Seated at the center of a new design-related copyright conversation, a series of Eiffel chairs sold by discount superstore Aldi has designers arguing on both sides. The chairs in question look significantly like the DSW Eames Plastic Chair (designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1950), currently made by copyright holders Vitra in Switzerland. Critics point out that Aldi has been caught doing this before, selling things like Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona Chair on countries where it can avoid copyright entanglements, either because the copyrights have expired or replicas are permitted by law. Defenders of the discount retailer argue that the entire point of these plastic chairs was to create something cheap, comfortable and easy to mass produce. In other words: the fact that replicas sell for 40 GBP and licensed remakes sell for ten times that goes against the intent of the designers. Either way, Aldi seems to way to stay out of the fray, perhaps planning to hide behind slight design differences when it comes to the structure, materials and details of the seats.
In some places, like the United Kingdom, changes to laws have been proposed or are in the works, which may provide additional protections for rights holders now and into the future. There is a larger question at work here though too: how close do designs have to be for them to risk creating intellectual property controversies? There are, after all, only so many ways to plan, design and construct a chair for a human occupant. These days, so many 3D models of seats have been uploaded to programs like SketchUp and it is easier than ever to simply cut, paste and print a copy of one’s own on a 3D printer.The Aldi chair is a steal (perhaps too literally) to see where I found replicas of the Eames Chair, the… Replica Phillipe Starck - Masters Replica Eames Office High Back - PU(vinyl) Replica Phillipe Starck - Ghost Carver Replica Hans Wegner - Wishbone Replica Herman Miller Airia Desk Replica Tolix Bar Stool Café Bases & TopsAdded to CartOvela Set of 6 Eiffel DSW Dining Chairs - Eames Replica (White)Ovela Set of 6 Eiffel DSW Dining Chairs - Eames Replica (White)Classic and comfortable.
See delivery informationOverview Based on a 1950s Eames design, this classic dining chair is a comfortable and stylish addition to your home. Enhance your home with classic, clean lines Enjoy a comfortable seat while dining Bring a touch of class to your home with the 6 Pack Ovela Eiffel Dining Armchair – Eames Reproduction. A replica of the renowned 1950s design by Charles and Ray Eames, this comfortable chair adds instant style to any room. For complete style throughout your home, combine with the Ovela Eiffel Dining Armchair – Eames Reproduction. This Product is offered and supplied by Kogan Australia Pty Ltd pursuant to the Terms and Conditions.SpecificationsdimensionsDimensions54.0 x 47.0 x 81.5cmPackaging Dimensions159 x 49 x 59cmWeight3.7kggeneralColourWhiteMaterialLegs: Beech Wood, Seat: PolypropyleneWeight Capacity150kgIn the box 6 x Ovela Eiffel Dining Chair – Eames Reproduction (White) Warranty & Returns PolicyBuy with confidence as this product comes with a 14 Day Money Back Guarantee (unless otherwise stated in the overview).
)Shelving UnitsSide TablesSofa CoversStoolsStorageTablewareToday's SpecialsTorches & Outdoor LightingTowelsUtensils & AccessoriesWeather StationsWine RacksBNDL6OVEAM2PDSWAEames Molded Plastic ChairsHowever, when the environmental risks associated with fiberglass production became more widely understood, the decision was made to discontinue fiberglass shell production until a more suitable material could be found. In 2001, Herman Miller reintroduced the Molded Plastic Chair in polypropylene. In addition to being 100 percent recyclable, the polypropylene shell chair's subtle matte texture offers a soft tactility as well as notable durability. Eames Molded Plastic Chairs are available as side chairs or armchairs, and in a choice of colors, including archival or new options. Armchair and side chair shells can be fully upholstered in a variety of textiles; side chair shells can be specified with an upholstered seat pad. A choice of bases rounds out your customization options. For Every NeedCharles Eames famously said, “The role of the designer is that of a very good, thoughtful host anticipating the needs of his guests.”
With the molded plastic, fiberglass, and wood shell chairs—as well as the wire chair—the Eames have created a universal response to what everyone wants from a chair: a simple, gracious form that fits any body and every place. In Every WayBorne out of Charles’ and Eero Saarinen’s early investigations molding plywood at Cranbrook Academy in 1939, and continued with Ray at the Eames studio in Venice, California, the molded chair is exemplary of the Eames iterative process and their desire to make “the best for the most for the least.” With each new form, finish, and configuration, the Eames continued to push the boundaries of what the shell chair could be: after experimenting with single-form plywood and stamped metal, they turned to fiberglass and experimented with bent wire; when fiberglass production proved unhealthy for the environment, the decision was made to switch production to a safer plastic; and now, with advancements in safe fiberglass composition and dynamic veneer technologies, the evolution continues with the Molded Fiberglass and Molded Wood Chairs.