Cast Spreader 3

A key conceptual feature of the Eames Aluminum Group is the pair of aluminum spreaders that hold the upholstery taut between two aluminum side members. These spreaders create the necessary tension for transforming fabric into a supportive seat and backrest. Freshly cast aluminum is rough and dull. The bright sheen of the aluminum spreaders (and all the other aluminum components of the Eames Aluminum Group) was achieved by smoothing their surfaces with a hand-held metal polisher. The polishing process is important for more than just visual appeal; polishing eliminates minor imperfections in the surface that can weaken the piece as a whole, and also mitigates the reaction of aluminum with oxygen that results in aluminum oxide. Both of these outcomes were essential to the success of the Eames Aluminum Group. The latter helped fulfill the collection’s initial goal of outdoor resilience.