Eileen Gray on Classicdesign.it
Eileen Gray: Modernism Icon in Furniture Design
Welcome to the extraordinary world of Eileen Gray, the Irish furniture designer and architect who left an indelible mark on the aesthetics of the International Style. Born in Enniscorthy, Ireland, in 1878, and passing away in Paris in 1976, Gray was a pioneer of the modern movement in architecture, making significant contributions to 20th-century design and furniture.
From an aristocratic Irish-Scottish family, Gray distinguished herself with exceptional skill in the art of lacquer, creating lacquered walls and decorative panels that captured attention from her early forays into the design world. Her talent and revolutionary vision then extended to the realm of furniture, with iconic works like the adjustable table E1027, now part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art in New York since 1978.
Gray dared to push beyond conventional boundaries, embracing tubular steel to craft cutting-edge furniture, even predating Le Corbusier in its use. Her Villa E-1027 on the French Riviera remains a masterpiece of Modernism, reopening to the public in 2015 after years of acclaim and success.
In addition to her contributions to furniture, Eileen Gray left a lasting legacy in the field of modern architecture. Her life and work are celebrated through a permanent exhibit at the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin, where visitors can immerse themselves in the timeless elegance of her furniture.
Today, Eileen Gray's pieces continue to be sought after as authentic works of art, meticulously reissued by the prestigious German brand ClassiCon. Explore our exclusive selection of furniture and furnishings designed by Eileen Gray, and bring home a piece of modern design history.