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Eileen Gray
Influenced by both the Art Deco style and 1920s functionalism, Eileen Gray (1878 – 1976) is one of the most intriguing designers of the inter-war period. Largely unrecognised in her own lifetime, today she is considered a pioneer of the Modernist movement, known for her remarkably bold furniture designs and architecture.
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We hold a number of designs, drawings and sketches by Eileen Gray in our Archives of Art and Design. We also hold four key pieces of her furniture: two screens, including a luxurious example of Art Deco lacquer-work, and two prototype armchairs – the 'S' bend and the iconic 'Fauteuil Transatlantique' lounger, both given by the designer herself.
Collection highlights
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'Brentano', design for a carpet, by Eileen Gray, 1919 – 1929, France -
'S' bend chair, designed by Eileen Gray, 1938, France -
Design for lacquer screen, by Eileen Gray, 1920s, France -
Screen, designed by Eileen Gray, 1923, Paris, France -
Design sketch of 'S' bend chair, side elevation, by Eileen Gray, about 1965 – 70 -
Fauteuil Transatlantique, armchair, designed by Eileen Gray, manufactured by Galerie Jean Desert, 1925 – 1930, Paris, France -
'Bobodilla', design for a carpet, designed by Eileen Gray, about 1928, France -
Lacquer screen, Eileen Gray, about 1923, Paris, France -
Design for an articulated chair, drawing, designed by Eileen Gray, about 1965
Features
Eileen Gray and her experimental 'S' bend chair
Introducing the pioneering female designer behind the experimental 'S' bend chair
Deckchair design: from ocean liner to Modernist villa
Discover how ocean liner style influenced an iconic Modernist chair designed by Eileen Gray
Art Deco: where tradition meets modernity
Art Deco's extraordinary blend of tradition and progress is the essence of works by John Skeaping, Eileen Gray and René Lalique
The influence of East Asian lacquer on European furniture
Find out how the desire for Asian lacquer influenced Western furniture for centuries
Header image: Screen, Eileen Gray, 1923, Paris, France. Museum no. W.21-1972. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London