Eames films: secured for long-term archiving by Library of Congress
Charles and Ray Eames have had a lasting influence on 20th century design. The numerous and varied works of these two designers include more than 125 films, made by the Eames Office, from the 1950s to the 1970s. Many of these films possess great design-historical value. This applies to the subject matter presented in the films, as well as the production methods. Many Eames films are still regarded as exemplary, and not only in terms of their design. After Ray Eames’ death in 1988, the Eames archive, containing more than a million objects, was handed over to the American national library, the Library of Congress in Washington. Many libraries and archives are currently working to preserve sensitive analogue materials, such as films, for the long term. The Library of Congress, in collaboration with companies such as Herman Miller, for whom the Eames Office created furniture and films, has now set up a project that ensures the long-term preservation of these important design documents. The article Preserving the Eameses’ Film Legacy gives us an insight into this project. The library of Congress provides information on the inventory and status of archiving under The Work of Charles and Ray Eames.
