Designer, artist and architect Eileen Gray was one of the most fascinating creative figures of the 20th century. Her body of work includes lustrous lacquered pieces — her Dragons chair set an auction record for modern furniture ($28 million) at the 2009 sale of the Yves Saint Laurent estate — and sleek chrome furnishings that rival the work of Le Corbusier and the members of the Bauhaus as exemplars of pure, modernist design.
The independent and unconventional daughter of Irish landed gentry, Gray studied painting at London’s Slade School of Fine Art in her early twenties before moving to Paris in 1906 to pursue her artistic dreams. Gray had become captivated by lacquerware after seeing an exhibit in the Victoria & Albert Museum, and in Paris persuaded an expatriate Japanese master of the painstaking process, Seizo Sugawara, to teach her. Within a few years, Gray had become known among the cognoscenti for her sculptural lacquered furnishings, which she incorporated into the homes of interior design clients.
Gray was ever evolving as a designer. By the early 1920s she was creating geometric works that embodied the essence of Art Deco and the nascent modernist design movement. Some pieces — such as her Bricks screen, an assemblage of pivoting rectangular panels — employ the planar forms favored by Gerrit Rietveld and other De Stijl architects of the Netherlands. Others feature the tubular chrome framing used by Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. These include the Bibendum chair — named for the resemblance of its semicircular back and armrest to the character known in English as the Michelin Man — and the adjustable E 1027 side table, conceived in 1927 for the interiors of a stark white villa she designed for herself in the South of France.
Never a self-promoter, Gray drifted out of the limelight in the 1930s. Interest in her work was revived in the early ’70s, however, when the estates of her early clients came to auction. Her original lacquer pieces are the most coveted, but, as the sale of the Dragons chair shows, are rare and extremely expensive.
None of Gray’s designs were made in large numbers until, a few years before her death, she granted a production license. These pieces range in price from $1,000 to $2,500, depending on furniture type and condition. Gray’s work has become iconic of practical and elegant modernist design. Yet, as you will see on 1stDibs, many of her creations have a simplicity that makes them welcome even in a traditional setting.
Armchair in black leather ClassiCon Bonaparte Armchair design Eileen Gray
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Bonaparte Armchair Design: Eileen Gray, 1938 The Bonaparte Armchair is one of the rare examples in which luxurious upholstered comfort is successfully combin...
Steel
Classicon Faubourg Rug design Eileen Gray-Virgin wool 300x300 cm 118.1x118.1
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Faubourg Rug Design: Eileen Gray, 1920-1935 Eileen Gray not only created some of the most iconic furniture classics of the 20th century, but also ran a studi...
Wool
Classicon Centimetre Rug design Eileen Gray Virginwool 200x300cm78.7x118.1in
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Centimeter Rug Design: Eileen Gray, 1920-1935 Eileen Gray created not only some of the most important furniture classics of the 20th century, but also ran he...
Wool
Classicon Wendingen Rug design Eileen Gray Virgin wool 208x200cm 81.9x78.7in
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Wendingen Rug Design: Eileen Gray, 1920-1935 Eileen Gray not only created some of the most important furniture classics of the 20th century, but also ran a s...
Wool
Eileen Gray Double X Table from Classicon
By Eileen Gray
Located in Hamburg, DE
When an avant-garde tubular steel design meets a classic refectory table, the result is the double X. A large but elegant table whose X-shaped supports ensure optimal rigidity. Like ...
Steel, Chrome
Classicon Bonaparte Rug design Eileen Gray Virgin wool 100x210cm 39.4x82.7in
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Bonaparte Rug Design: Eileen Gray, 1920-1935 Eileen Gray not only created some of the most important furniture classics of the 20th century, but also ran her...
Wool
Limited Edition Classicon Bibendum Armchair in leather sand design Eileen Gray
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Classicon Model: Limited Edition Bibendum Armchair Design: Eileen Gray, 1926 A design that combines sculpture, cultural history, and a touch of humor. Eileen Gray's Bibendum...
Steel
Set of 2 Coffee table ClassiCon Adjustable Table E1027 design Eileen Gray Black
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Adjustable Table E1027 - Black Version Design: Eileen Gray, 1927 This is the classic among classics. Its ingeniously pr...
Crystal, Steel
Sofa in red leather ClassiCon Monte Carlo Design Eileen Gray
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Monte Carlo Designer: Eileen Gray (1929) Type: Sofa Designed in 1929, the Monte Carlo sofa is one of Eileen Gray's most exclusive and expressive creations. I...
Steel
Classicon La Lune Rug design Eileen Gray - Virgin wool 200x175cm 78.7x68.9in
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: La Lune Rug Design: Eileen Gray, 1920-1935 Eileen Gray not only created some of the most iconic furniture classics of the 20th century, but also ran a studio...
Wool
Chaise lounge ClassiCon Day Bed design Eileen Gray - Brownred - Chrome
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Day Bed Design: Eileen Gray, 1925 The Day Bed is rightly counted among Eileen Gray's most celebrated designs. Conceived as a lounge piece that "offers pleasa...
Steel
ClassiCon Aixia Chair leather chair design Eileen Gray
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Aixia Chair Design: Eileen Gray, 1928 The Aixia Chair was one of Eileen Gray's personal favorites, a piece she used consistently across all of her apartments...
Steel
Classicon Kilkenny Rug design Eileen Gray Virgin wool 235x201 cm 92.5x79.1in
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Kilkenny Rug Design: Eileen Gray, 1920-1935 Eileen Gray not only created some of the most important furniture classics of the 20th century, but also ran her ...
Wool
Rug Classicon St. Tropez Rug design Eileen Gray Virgin Wool 300x250cm 118.1x98.4
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: St. Tropez Rug Design: Eileen Gray, 1920-1935 Eileen Gray not only created some of the most important furniture classics of the 20th century, but also ran a ...
Wool
ClassiCon Black Leather Roquebrune Chair by Eileen Gray in Stock
By Eileen Gray
Located in New York, NY
Roquebrune Chair Eileen Gray, 1927 leather For the terrace of her second house in Castellar Eileen Gray designed a very comfortable chair with a de...
Leather
Classicon Monolith Rug design Eileen Gray Virgin wool 200x300cm 78.7x118.1in
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Monolith Rug Design: Eileen Gray, 1920-1935 Eileen Gray not only created some of the most iconic furniture classics of the 20th century, but also ran a studi...
Wool
Stool in leather black ClassiCon Bar Stool No. 2 design Eileen Gray
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Bar Stool No. 2 Design: Eileen Gray, 1928 Eileen Gray was not only a creator of classical seating, such as sofas and chairs, but also a pioneer of unconventi...
Steel
Classicon Cassis Rug design Eileen Gray - Nettle 240x200 cm 94.5x78.7in
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Cassis Rug Design: Eileen Gray, 1920-1935 Eileen Gray not only created some of the most iconic furniture classics of the 20th century, but also ran her own s...
Wool
Chaise lounge ClassiCon Day Bed design Eileen Gray - Black leather
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Day Bed Design: Eileen Gray, 1925 The Day Bed is rightly counted among Eileen Gray's most celebrated designs. Conceived as a lounge piece that "offers pleasa...
Steel
Leather ClassiCon Bar Stool No. 2 design Eileen Gray - Black
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Bar Stool No. 2 Design: Eileen Gray, 1928 Eileen Gray was not only a creator of classical seating, such as sofas and chairs, but also a pioneer of unconventi...
Steel
Armchair in leather white ClassiCon Non Conformist Armchair design Eileen Gray
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Non Conformist Armchair Design: Eileen Gray, 1926 The Non Conformist Armchair lives up to its name by subtly challenging expectations while remaining inexpli...
Steel
Rug ClassiCon De Stijl Rug design Eileen Gray - Nettle - 220x300 cm 86.6x118.1in
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: De Stijl Rug Design: Eileen Gray, 1920-1935 Eileen Gray not only created some of the most iconic 20th century furniture classics, but also ran a studio where...
Wool
Round rug ClassiCon L'Art Noir Rug Design Eileen Gray - Nettle - 200 cm 78.7 inc
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: L'Art Noir Rug Designer: Eileen Gray (1920-1935) Type: Rug Eileen Gray not only created some of the most iconic furniture of the 20th...
Wool
Round rug ClassiCon L'Art Noir Rug Design Eileen Gray Virgin wool 200 cm 78.7 in
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: L'Art Noir Rug Designer: Eileen Gray (1920-1935) Type: Rug Eileen Gray not only created some of the most iconic furniture of the 20th...
Wool
Classicon Kilkenny Rug design Eileen Gray - Nettle - 300×250cm 118.1×98.4 in
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Kilkenny Rug Design: Eileen Gray, 1920-1935 Eileen Gray not only created some of the most important furniture classics of the 20th century, but also ran her ...
Wool
Extendable table ClassiCon Lou Perou Table Design Eileen Gray - White
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Lou Perou Table Design: Eileen Gray, 1926 Like the majority of Eileen Gray's tables, the Lou Perou Table is designed to transform, offering flexibility with ...
Steel
Classicon Roquebrune Rug design Eileen Gray - Nettle 300x300cm 118.1x118.1in
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Roquebrune Rug Design: Eileen Gray, 1920-1935 Eileen Gray not only created some of the most important furniture classics of the 20th century, but also ran a ...
Wool
Classicon Cassis Rug design Eileen Gray Virgin wool 300x250 cm 118.1x98.4 in
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Cassis Rug Design: Eileen Gray, 1920-1935 Eileen Gray not only created some of the most iconic furniture classics of the 20th century, but also ran her own s...
Wool
Extendable table ClassiCon Lou Perou Table Design Eileen Gray - Black
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Lou Perou Table Design: Eileen Gray, 1926 Like the majority of Eileen Gray's tables, the Lou Perou Table is designed to transform, offering flexibility with ...
Steel
Classicon Faubourg Rug design Eileen Gray - Nettle 300x300cm 118.1x118.1 inc
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Faubourg Rug Design: Eileen Gray, 1920-1935 Eileen Gray not only created some of the most iconic furniture classics of the 20th century, but also ran her own...
Wool
Folding Screen - Room Divider ClassiCon Folding Screen design Eileen Gray -Black
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Folding Screen Designer: Eileen Gray (1930) Type: Folding Screen / Room Divider Designed in 1930, the Folding Screen by Eileen Gray is a visionary piece that...
Metal
Folding Screen - Room Divider ClassiCon Folding Screen design Eileen Gray -White
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Folding Screen Designer: Eileen Gray (1930) Type: Folding Screen / Room Divider Designed in 1930, the Folding Screen by Eileen Gray is a visionary piece that...
Metal
Sofa in white leather ClassiCon Monte Carlo Design Eileen Gray
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Monte Carlo Designer: Eileen Gray (1929) Type: Sofa Designed in 1929, the Monte Carlo sofa is one of Eileen Gray's most exclusive and expressive creations. I...
Steel
ClassiCon Black Leather Roquebrune Chair by Eileen Gray in Stock
By Eileen Gray
Located in New York, NY
Roquebrune Chair - DC Eileen Gray, 1927 leather For the terrace of her second house in Castellar Eileen Gray designed a very comfortable chair with a ...
Leather
Eileen Gray Non Conformist Sessel weiß Vereinigte Werkstätten Munich
By Vereinigte Werkstätten München, Eileen Gray
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen und sehr seltenen Armlehnstuhl von den Vereinigten Werkstätten Munich aus den 1970er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Eileen Gray aus dem ...
Steel, Chrome
Chaise lounge ClassiCon Day Bed design Eileen Gray - Brownred
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Day Bed Design: Eileen Gray, 1925 The Day Bed is rightly counted among Eileen Gray's most celebrated designs. Conceived as a lounge piece that "offers pleasa...
Steel
Armchair in white leather ClassiCon Bibendum Armchair design Eileen Gray
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Bibendum Armchair Design: Eileen Gray, 1926 Bibendum is truly one of a kind. Nowhere in the history of design can one find an armchair comparable to this ext...
Steel
Armchair in white leather ClassiCon Bonaparte Armchair design Eileen Gray
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Bonaparte Armchair Design: Eileen Gray, 1938 The Bonaparte Armchair is one of the rare examples in which luxurious upholstered comfort is successfully combin...
Steel
Chair in leather white ClassiCon Aixia Chair design Eileen Gray
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Aixia Chair Design: Eileen Gray, 1928 The Aixia Chair was one of Eileen Gray's personal favorites, a piece she used consistently across all of her apartments...
Steel
Stool in leather ClassiCon Bar Stool No. 1 design Eileen Gray
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Bar Stool No. 1 Design: Eileen Gray, 1928 Eileen Gray designed several variations of bar stools, and the Bar Stool No. 1 stands out as the simplest, most ele...
Steel
Classicon Wendingen Rug design Eileen Gray - Nettle - 300x250cm 118.1x98.4in
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Wendingen Rug Design: Eileen Gray, 1920-1935 Eileen Gray not only created some of the most important furniture classics of the 20th century, but also ran a s...
Wool
Classicon Wendingen Rug design Eileen Gray - Nettle - 208x200cm 81.9x78.7in
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Wendingen Rug Design: Eileen Gray, 1920-1935 Eileen Gray not only created some of the most important furniture classics of the 20th century, but also ran a s...
Wool
Rug Classicon St. Tropez Rug design Eileen Gray - Nettle 204x204 cm 80.3x80.3 in
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: St. Tropez Rug Design: Eileen Gray, 1920-1935 Eileen Gray not only created some of the most important furniture classics of the 20th century, but also ran a ...
Wool
Rug Classicon St. Tropez Rug design Eileen Gray Virgin Wool 204x204cm80.3x80.3in
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: St. Tropez Rug Design: Eileen Gray, 1920-1935 Eileen Gray not only created some of the most important furniture classics of the 20th century, but also ran a ...
Wool
Classicon Roquebrune Rug design Eileen Gray - Nettle - 200x200cm 78.7x78.7in
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Roquebrune Rug Design: Eileen Gray, 1920-1935 Eileen Gray not only created some of the most important furniture classics of the 20th century, but also ran a ...
Wool
Classicon Roquebrune Rug design Eileen Gray VirginWool 300x300cm 118.1x118.1
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Roquebrune Rug Design: Eileen Gray, 1920-1935 Eileen Gray not only created some of the most important furniture classics of the 20th century, but also ran a ...
Wool
Classicon Roquebrune Rug design Eileen Gray Virgin wool 200x200cm78.7x78.7in
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Roquebrune Rug Design: Eileen Gray, 1920-1935 Eileen Gray not only created some of the most important furniture classics of the 20th century, but also ran a ...
Wool
Classicon Monolith Rug design Eileen Gray - Nettle - 250x375cm 98.4x147.6 in
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Monolith Rug Design: Eileen Gray, 1920-1935 Eileen Gray not only created some of the most iconic furniture classics of the 20th century, but also ran a studi...
Wool
Classicon Monolith Rug design Eileen Gray - Nettle - 200x300cm 78.7x118.1in
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Monolith Rug Design: Eileen Gray, 1920-1935 Eileen Gray not only created some of the most iconic furniture classics of the 20th century, but also ran a studi...
Wool
Classicon Monolith Rug design Eileen Gray Virgin wool 250x375cm 98.4x147.6in
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Monolith Rug Design: Eileen Gray, 1920-1935 Eileen Gray not only created some of the most iconic furniture classics of the 20th century, but also ran a studi...
Wool
Classicon La Lune Rug design Eileen Gray-Virgin wool 300x250cm 118.1x98.4in
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: La Lune Rug Design: Eileen Gray, 1920-1935 Eileen Gray not only created some of the most iconic furniture classics of the 20th century, but also ran a studio...
Wool
Classicon La Lune Rug design Eileen Gray - Nettle - 300x250cm 118.1x98.4 in
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: La Lune Rug Design: Eileen Gray, 1920-1935 Eileen Gray not only created some of the most iconic furniture classics of the 20th century, but also ran a studio...
Wool
Classicon La Lune Rug design Eileen Gray - Nettle - 200x175cm 78.7x68.9in
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: La Lune Rug Design: Eileen Gray, 1920-1935 Eileen Gray not only created some of the most iconic furniture classics of the 20th century, but also ran a studio...
Wool
Classicon Kilkenny Rug design Eileen Gray - Nettle - 235x201 cm 92.5x79.1 in
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Kilkenny Rug Design: Eileen Gray, 1920-1935 Eileen Gray not only created some of the most important furniture classics of the 20th century, but also ran her ...
Wool
Classicon Kilkenny Rug design Eileen Gray Virgin wool 300x250cm 118.1x98.4in
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Kilkenny Rug Design: Eileen Gray, 1920-1935 Eileen Gray not only created some of the most important furniture classics of the 20th century, but also ran her ...
Wool
Classicon Faubourg Rug design Eileen Gray - Nettle - 200x200 cm 78.7x78.7 in
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Faubourg Rug Design: Eileen Gray, 1920-1935 Eileen Gray not only created some of the most iconic furniture classics of the 20th century, but also ran her own...
Wool
Classicon Faubourg Rug design Eileen Gray-Virgin wool 200x200 cm 78.7x78.7in
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Faubourg Rug Design: Eileen Gray, 1920-1935 Eileen Gray not only created some of the most iconic furniture classics of the 20th century, but also ran a studi...
Wool
Rug ClassiCon De Stijl Rug design Eileen Gray Virgin Wool 250x345cm 98.4x135.8in
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: De Stijl Rug Design: Eileen Gray, 1920-1935 Eileen Gray not only created some of the most iconic 20th century furniture classics, but also ran a studio where...
Wool
Rug ClassiCon De Stijl Rug design Eileen Gray Virgin Wool 220x300cm 86.6x118.1in
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: De Stijl Rug Design: Eileen Gray, 1920-1935 Eileen Gray not only created some of the most iconic 20th century furniture classics, but also ran a studio where...
Wool
Classicon Centimetre Rug design Eileen Gray Nettle 250x375 cm 98.4x147.6 in
By Eileen Gray
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: ClassiCon Model: Centimeter Rug Design: Eileen Gray, 1920-1935 Eileen Gray created not only some of the most important furniture classics of the 20th century, but also ran he...
Wool