The Incomparable Eileen Gray

It’s sad to say, but during her lifetime, Eileen Gray, who later became known as the pioneer of the modern movement, did not receive the recognition that she so well deserved. It is true that she experienced some level of success from her involvement with the Union des Artistes Modernes which had some well-known members like Robert Mallet-Steven, who was the founder. Right: Cover photo from 1stDibs
Satellite Mirror by Eileen Gray

Other icons from the Irish furniture designer includes the Bibendum chair, which originated from the character created by Michelin to sell tyres.

Members also included, Francis Jourdain, Marcel Gascoin, Charlotte Perriand, and Jean Prouvé. As an architect, Eileen designed and furnished herself a new home, Tempe à Pailla, outside Menton, France. That building is an icon of Modernist architecture, and the design was a great example of form meets function. Good for her, since she lived and worked there.

Photo: Eileen Gray Transat Chair, and Architectural Cabinet. Other icons from the Irish furniture designer includes the Bibendum chair, which originated from the character created by Michelin to sell tyres.

Photo: The Brick Screen by Eileen Gray is one of MOMA’s permanent collection, via Daily Tonic. 
This chair is comfortable as well as beautiful, and is able to fit in with a number of decorating styles.

Photo: The nonconformist chair. Her E1027 table can be spotted at many homes, businesses and hotels worldwide. Having said all that, let’s not forget her pièce de résistance, the “Dragons” armchair which was made between 1917-1919.

Above photo: Muriel Newman in 2003, wearing a satin jacket by Geoffrey Beene and seated in the Bibendum chair by Eileen Gray, poses in front of a painting by Clyfford Still, via Chicago Magazine. In February 2009, it sold at Christie’s France for a record-breaking $28.3 million.