Time Life Lobby Lounge Arm Chair

An adaptation of the specially commissioned 'Lobby Chairs' for the Time Life building in New York, the 1960 release of the Lounge Chair version brought this wonderful design to homes, offices, conference rooms and lobbies all over the US and beyond.

The design has had numerous names over the years including the Time Life Lounge Chair (from the building it was commissioned to go in), the Lobby Chair (the intended space of the original commission) and even the Eames Executive Chair Group. Any one of these terms can still represent the design today so it is worth remembering them all. Generally speaking however, the Eames Time Life Lobby Chair tends to tick the most boxes in terms of name.

The conceptual commissioned pieces installed into the Lobby of the Time Life building were grandiose, wide framed and set into a laid back position. The design had after all, attempted to re-create the comfort of the Eames Lounge Chair, but without the size. The marketed versions of the Eames Time Life Lobby Chair were tweaked ever so slightly and initially released in two Lounge variations. Model 675 closely resembled the conceptual Lobby Chairs and were wide, laid back lounge chairs with a swivel movement. Model 3475 however had adjustability of height and angle and was slightly thinner. Herman Miller also released an upright desk chair version a year later in 1961.

The success of the Alu Group can also be seen in the design with the beautiful upholstery against polished Alu frame and sides. What a lot of people don't know however is that the chair actually has a plywood skeleton unseen to the eye. The Lounge versions of the chair were eventually discontinued, we believe into the 1990's.

• All original and authentic Time Life Lounge chairs have carried an identifying Herman Miller label or stamp through the years. The labels are found on the under side of the frame. Early versions will also be found with upholstery labels which were the larger white legal labels displaying the contents of the fabric and foam.
• Although the Time Life eames chair has not escaped being copied by the reproduction makers, all examples we have seen to date have been the desk chair version and tend to always have 5 star bases and pneumatic lift mechanisms.  It thankfully means that short of labels, there is still a good chance a Lounge Chair version will be authentic by default.
• Look out for the sides and the base being of polished Aluminum as opposed to shiny or new looking Chrome and there ought to be a tarnish on the metal work consistent with the age.
• Determine which version you have by the function of the chair. The 675 (or later ES105) was set in the laid back position, was wider and swiveled but had no means to change height or tilt. The 3475 (ES107) on the other hand had full tilting and height adjustment. The 3475 changed its width to the same as the 675 in 1968.

• Being rarer and made only until the 1990's, the original Time Life Lounge Chair is the variant that commands the most interest and highest values among the series in the secondary market. It is also perhaps the one that more corresponds with the original concept of the Lobby Chair.
• Time Life Chairs follow a logical valuation. The older the better, the nicer the condition and the type of the fabric are the three main factors to determining value. Leather will always be the most desirable and those in Black or Tan tend to be the ones found more often. An early first release model 675 can fetch great sums in the secondary market.
• When buying always look the chair over thoroughly. Once authenticity is assured check the frame and upholstery. The frame on the underside is made from a plywood skeleton and it is imperative to ensure there are no breaks. You wont be able to see those from the outside but you will be able to feel them as the chair will clearly hang if the wood section is damaged. Time Life Chairs have a habit of breaking leather mainly on the arms first so check those too. These chairs can generally be re-upholstered but originality is another high level factor of value.