Few women have made a mark on the history of modern architecture and, often, their influence on male colleagues gains more recognition than their talent. No one has ever denied the influence of Charlotte Perriand on Le Corbusier’s work and everyone has always appreciated Lily Reich, who worked with Mies van der Rohe for years. But the fate of Eileen Gray has been very different.

Overlooked throughout her lifetime, it was not until she turned 90 that she became one of the best-loved and most imitated designers of the 20th century. Independent, self-taught, introverted and often alone in a male universe, Gray was produced some unforgettable design pieces, such as the experimental Bibendum Chair in tubular steel. She also created some modern icons such as the E-1027 house built in Roqueburne near Monaco.

Many of its contents were revolutionary for her times, e.g. the L-shaped plan, the terraced roof, the large floor-ceiling windows and the spectacular internal spiral staircase. Amassing sketches, models, photographs and personal papers, the broad retrospective at the Design Museum celebrates the creative ability of the strong-willed Irishwoman who emigrated to Paris at an early age. It also passes on her still very topical lesson: “Building for the human being”. E.S.

London – Great Britain
Eileen Gray
17.9.2005 – 8.1.2006
Design Museum, Shad Thames
T +44-0870-8339955
http://www.designmuseum.org