Eileen Gray, forgotten pioneer of modernism

Eileen Gray (1878-1976) was ignored for fifty years, then rediscovered as one of the greatest designers of the 20th century. This Irishwoman settled in Paris from 1907 reinvented everything: revisited Chinese lacquer for the Le Destin screens, tubular furniture with the E1027 table (1927) that would inspire Le Corbusier, the E1027 villa in Roquebrune designed entirely with Jean Badovici. A radical and discreet body of work that has steadily gained in value since the creator's death.

The E1027 table, in tubular steel and glass, remains her most iconic piece. Alongside the Bibendum armchair and Transat chaise longue, it forms the triptych of Eileen Gray furniture, now reissued by Classicon and hunted at gold prices by lovers of modern design.