Neenah Paper has released the first revision of its two-year old EAMES™ Paper Collection — the first complete line of papers from a major mill in more than a decade.

“After launching the EAMES™ Paper Collection in Spring 2005, reaction was enthusiastic and feedback extremely positive,” added Tom Wright, Director of Advertising and Design for Neenah Paper, “but we soon wondered why were not seeing the collection in more everyday use, the kind of day-to-day work that is the lifeblood of the design and paper industry.  Designers told us why.”

The revisions are in direct response to changes suggested by designers from across the nation.  Changes include the addition of Neenah’s popular Solar White, double thick cover weights and the addition of a technologically sophisticated vellum sheet.  All additions were a direct result of designer feedback.

Conversations with designers nationwide revealed they were holding the paper for “special” occasions, events and announcements — the kind of “high end” applications that invite the finest grades, finishes and print techniques.  The rare.  The rich.  The perception of the Eames line as a high-end line was growing.  The folks at Neenah Paper and the Eames Office saw the irony in this growing perception — and it stung.

“First of all, when we say the paper is ‘inspired’ by my grandparents’ life and work, this means more than a nod to Eames-like colors, finishes, architecture, painting or furniture,” says Eames Demetrios, Charles and Ray’s grandson and director of the Eames Office.  “It means a product that offers functionality, beauty and affordability — all in one.  My grandparents never designed for ‘high-end’ users — they designed for everyone.”

“We wanted designers to use the paper, not hang it on the wall like artwork,” added Wright.  “So we knew changes were needed so that people would not get stuck in the notion that the EAMES Collection was for the exceptional need rather than the everyday use.”

More conversations led to concrete suggestions from designers.  They asked for important additions to the collection that would help them sell it to their clients or marketing colleagues.  Among them, a consistently dependable vellum finish, in a variety of whites, in writing, text and cover weights.  “In the spirit of Charles and Ray Eames,” said Wright, “we listened, learned and applied those lessons, as design is a never-ending journey.”

The revised EAMESTM Paper Collection features changes that will excite and inspire designers to use the collection liberally, whether for the rarest communication — or — the most commonplace:  uses such as the monthly newsletter, the silkscreen band poster, a two-color promo postcard, or your neighborhood flier.

EAMESTM Paper Collection from Neenah is here to stay.  And the people who created it at Neenah and the Eames Office will always remain open to fresh ideas, improvements, and technical innovations.

Charles and Ray Eames would want it no other way.

For further information about the EAMESTM Paper Collection, please contact your local authorized Neenah Paper merchant or call 1-800-558-5061 and press “5.”  You can also email finepaper@neenahpaper.com or visit www.neenahpaper.com/eames to learn more.  A listing of local authorized Neenah Paper merchants is available at www.neenahpaper.com/findadistributor.