Eileen Gray: Pioneer of Modern Design and Architecture

Eileen Gray (1878–1976) was a groundbreaking Irish artist and designer whose work spans nearly a century. She is renowned as a pioneer of modern design, notably as the only woman among influential designers like Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier, and Marcel Breuer. Gray revolutionized furniture design in the 1920s by introducing tubular steel furniture, which has since become classic.

Beyond furniture, Gray was a visionary architect. In 1926, at age 48, she and her partner Jean Badovici built the avant-garde beach house 'E 1027' in Roquebrune, Côte d’Azur, considered a masterpiece of modern architecture. She designed key furniture pieces for this house, including the famous 'Adjustable Table E 1027' and the 'Bibendum' armchair. The Adjustable Table was inducted into the Museum of Modern Art's permanent collection in 1978.

Legacy and Licensing

In the 1970s, Gray collaborated with Zeev Aram to bring her designs into series production. In 1973, she granted Aram Designs Ltd., London, worldwide rights to manufacture and distribute her works. ClassiCon GmbH, Munich, is the exclusive licensee authorized to produce and sell the Eileen Gray collection globally. Authentic pieces bear an indelible mark with Eileen Gray's signature, a production number, ClassiCon's signature, and the licensor's name.

Gray was honored as 'Royal Designer to Industry' by the Royal Society of Arts in London in 1972, recognizing her outstanding career. She passed away in Paris in 1976 at age 98.

Market Recognition and Restoration

In 2009, Eileen Gray's 'Dragon Chair' sold at Christie's Paris auction for a record €21.9 million, the highest price ever paid for a 20th-century furniture piece or Gray's work. The chair was previously owned by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent.

After extensive restoration, Gray's architectural landmark, the 'E 1027' house, reopened to visitors in summer 2015.

Product Range and Specifications

The document lists a comprehensive range of furniture and design objects, including chairs, armchairs, sofas, stools, side and coffee tables, desks, dining tables, lamps, rugs, and accessories. Many pieces are original Gray designs from the 1920s and 1930s, alongside contemporary works by designers such as Konstantin Grcic, Sebastian Herkner, and others.

Dimensions are provided in centimeters, with abbreviations explained (H = height, B = width, T = depth, D = diameter, SH = seat height, TH = table height, KL = cord length). Examples include:

• Adjustable Table E 1027 (1927): Height 64-102 cm, Table height 55-93 cm, Diameter 52 cm
• Day Bed (1925): Height 60 cm, Width 190 cm, Depth 86 cm, Seat height 41 cm
• Bibendum Armchair (1929): Height 72 cm, Width 90 cm, Depth 79 cm, Seat height 42 cm

Brand and Licensing Information

All rights to Eileen Gray designs are held by Aram Designs Ltd., London, the world license holder. ClassiCon GmbH is the authorized manufacturer and distributor. Unauthorized reproduction or copying of products or content is prohibited.

Contact details for ClassiCon headquarters in Munich and showroom hours are provided.

Photography and Credits

Photography credits include Daniel Breidt, Mark Seelen, Elias Hassos, Florian Holzherr, Thomas Popinger, and François Halard. Product photography by Felix Holzer and Dirk Holm.