Designer Research: Eileen Gray

Eileen Gray (1878-1976) is an Irish born designer who is known for her modernist interiors, house design, lush furnishings, her skills using lacquer and also collaborations with other designers such as le Corbusier.

After growing up in London, she was one of the first women to be admitted into the Slade school of Art where she took up painting. Soon after this she took an apprenticeship at a lacquer workshop in London. She established herself as a leading designer in this medium and whilst living in Paris in her 20’s, she displayed a lot of lacquer work and cabinet making.

In 1925 she began to exhibit chrome, steel tube and glass furniture. This was thought to be well ahead of the times and a step above other designers. She would use her furniture in her own interior designs, these themselves being considered modern for the period and still so today.

Eileen Gray was also the architect of two houses. One built from 1926-1929 and the other 1932-1934. Both of these residences are considered to be among the best examples of architecture and interiors from that time.

Prior to her death she worked both on large projects and smaller furniture based designs.

Eileen Gray interests me as a designer because she’s a name I heard often growing up. My mum has owned one of the E1027 Adjustable Tables for as long as I can remember and it was a piece my brothers and I were always told to be very careful not to break. I’m lucky enough now to have it in my own house.