The Eames PKC Pivot Wire Side Chair is the abbreviation for the Pivot (P) K-Wire (K) on Cast Alu Base (C). As with all the wire mesh series, the chairs had numbered extensions (PKC-1, PKC-2) which represented the upholstery type, with 1 for the full cover and 2 for the ‘bikini’ two-piece. The extra C in the PKCC was for added castors which were available post 1957.
The first Eames PKC Chair was released on the first generation cast alu ‘spider’ base which was available from 1954. This pivoting base of the Eames PKC Pivot Chair was brought in to replace the defunct dowel bases of the PKW, DAW and DSW. The base was only available in a black finish with aluminium plating of the spider legs, a very industrial and modernist design, different from the rest of the plastic and wire series. The base was replaced in 1957 with the contract aluminium base that could carry a choice of either floor glides or castors. The PKCC therefore was available post 1957.
The upholstery, designed by Alexander Girard for Herman Miller, was available in either a full cover or a two-piece ‘bikini’ cover. All wire mesh chairs were released with upholstery though many are seen today without due to them bearing the most wear over the years. All the upholstery covers were removable and available in either Naugahyde’s, tweeds, hopsacks or special Girard patterned fabrics.
The most collectible versions of the chairs are those found with the full covers still intact and those with some of the more spectacular Girard fabric patterns.
Height | 32.25” | 81.92 cm |
Width | 19” | 48.26 cm |
Depth | 21” | 53.34 cm |
Seat height | 18.75” | 47.63 cm |
Top | Molded and Resistance Welded Steel wire – Black, White Or Zinc Plated |
Base | Cast Alu Spider Base, Contract Base |
Feet | Domes Silence (54-57) Nylon Glides or Castors (post 57) |