Time Life Lobby Desk Arm Chair

Released in 1961, the Eames Time Life Desk Chair was an adaptation of the original Lobby Chair design, smaller in width, higher in height and more upright, perfect for use as a professional desk or work chair. With its soft rounded cushioning, quality upholstery and availability on either castors or floor glides, the Time Life Desk Chair was an immediate success and luxurious choice.

The Time Life Chairs have (and often still are) also been known by the names of 'Lobby Chair' and in later years the 'Eames Executive Chair'. The original design was a specially commissioned chair for the Lobby (hence the name) of the Time Life building in Manhattan, New York. This design was essentially a Lounger with a laid back position and comfortable, inviting feel. In no time at all a commercial version of this Time Life Lounger had been released in 1960 and its success prompted the reworking of the design into this, the Work Desk Chair. The designs for the Time Life Building project turned out to be very fruitful and the Walnut Stools were another commercial success following it. 

The Eames Time Life Desk Chair (model 3474) was 2 inches narrower than it's Lounge sister chair and with a more upright angled back. It was also the first chair released on the Universal Base which carried the possibility of fitting with either floor glides or castors. It is easy to see why it got the reputation of an 'executive' chair with its inviting leather upholstery and beautiful polished aluminum frame. As standard the chair was fitted with tilt, swivel and height adjustment.

The Desk Chair went through some developments over the years and is still in production to this day.

• The Time Life Desk Chairs were all made with Herman Miller Labels and stamps through the years including the Upholstery Label found on earlier versions. All original labels will be found on the underside of the chair and is the first port of call for authenticity.
• The Time Life range has been a target of the reproduction makers of the last 15 years especially. The Desk Chair is always the one that is copied and most tend to be those with the later 5 star Universal Bases. These copies do tend to use a chrome instead of polished aluminum so look out for those. It is commonly believed that the repro makers are not making their versions to 'pass off' as being originals but they are beginning to enter the secondary market and it is important to be aware of their existence.
• Another thing to look out for is the construction of the chair mechanism. The Desk Chair was always fitted with the torsion bar tilt mechanism, swivel and height adjustment on the column. Almost all of the copies use a paddle shift pneumatic gas lift to raise the chair however the Herman Miller chair had a manual height adjustment on the column.

• Whereas the Time Life Lounge Chairs were made for a shorter period and are perhaps more collectible, the Desk Chairs are possibly more desirable for the functionality they provide and even aged vintage versions still make for good work desk seating today.
• Time Life Lobby Desk Chairs do follow a logical process when it comes to valuation. Essentially the older the better, with first generation and first release versions becoming harder and harder to find and having a higher collectible value.
• The next important aspect of value will be the fabric used for the Time Life Desk Chair. Leather is always the popular choice, highly desired and most valuable. Essentially it is all about personal taste and fabric hopsack versions of the Time Life eames chairs are still exquisite but the leather ones will always command a higher yield.
• It is of course important to check the condition. Check the leather or fabric upholstery for wear (especially around the arms) and ensure that the frame of the chair is in good condition as it is made from a plywood skeleton and any breaks in that will render the chair useless. Always ensure the mechanisms for tilt and height are not seized and working freely.