Recap: Eames at the Hartman Loft

On Saturday, May 18, 2019, we went to the unique and expansive loft belonging to Carla and Carl Hartman. Their dramatic two-story loft, located in the Golden Triangle neighborhood, wraps three sides of the historic Cadillac Lofts built in the 1920s and developed by Mickey Zeppelin in the mid-1980s. One of the first loft buildings developed in Denver, its lofts feature original brick walls, high ceilings, stunning wood and steel truss systems and intermittent second floors made from recycled railroad car flooring.

Perhaps the highlight of the Hartmans’ collections is their wide array of furniture and design objects by Charles and Ray Eames, the most celebrated husband-and-wife design team of the 20th century. Carla Hartman, the oldest of five Eames grandchildren, works as the Director of Education at the Eames Office; she also teaches at Chairs Lady, a small design classroom located across the street from the loft.

The evening included a slide talk with Carla, who spoke about the Eames design process; in particular as it applies to the chairs we tried out for ourselves. There was plenty of time to chat with businessman, Carl Hartman, about his colorful and engaging acrylic paintings. And, there was much to look at: a Pez collection of 960 different pieces; Kokeshi dolls; art by Carla’s mother, Lucia Eames; the varied two-dimensional work of Cranbrook-schooled Carlos Cobos; Carla’s collages; and more! We had the option to make a miniature model magic chair.

Images and description courtesy of The Hartmans.