Irish Design Maverick Eileen Gray
28.11.17

Despite Ireland’s rich creative history in music, literature and craft, the concept of “Irish design” is yet to gain a foothold internationally. With no shortage of talent, traditional Irish craft and artisanal skills are enjoying a wave of renewed appreciation, however one truly revolutionary designer is often overlooked. The late Eileen Gray’s notoriety unjustly pales in comparison to many of her male contemporaries, however her legacy tells the story of a maverick in her own right. Revered for both her architecture and furniture design, Gray’s body of work is slowly coming to the forefront of midcentury modern appreciation. Today she is honoured with a permanent exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland, and E-1027, her famed home on the south coast of France, is currently being restored by the state of France and the city of Roquebrune Cap Martin. With rare vintage pieces in high demand, thankfully a handful of Gray’s furniture designs are still in production. The Tube Lamp (pictured above) is next on our list. Photography courtesy of Matisse.