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.
Art Deco Iconic Large Bakelite Desk Table Lamp by Eileen Gray, France, C1930
By Eileen Gray
Located in Devon, England
Designed by Eileen Gray for the French Jumo company and dating to the 1930's this very stylish lamp is made from two primary components which are bakelite and metal. Superb mushroom ...
Metal
Adjustable Grey & Brass Desk Lamp by Eileen Gray
By Eileen Gray
Located in San Francisco, CA
An Eileen Gray desk lamp for the French manufacturer Jumo from the early 1940s. Adjustable arm and shade in grey lacquered metal and brass trim. Two-light bayonet bulbs with the swit...
Brass, Steel
Art Deco Iconic Large Bakelite Desk Table Lamp by Eileen Gray, France, C1930
By Eileen Gray
Located in Devon, England
Designed by Eileen Gray for the French Jumo company and dating to the 1930's this very stylish lamp is made from two primary components which are bakelite and metal. Superb mushroom ...
Metal
$1,124Sale Price|24% Off
Eileen Gray Jumo Desk Lamp
By Eileen Gray, Maison Jumo
Located in Vienna, AT
This desk lamp was designed by Eileen Gray and manufactured by Jumo, France in 1930s. A brass construction, features a gunmetal effect on the adjustable shade. The lamp remains in...
Brass
$1,676 / item
ClassiCon Tube Light Floor Lamp by Eileen Gray
By Eileen Gray
Located in New York, NY
NON-dimmable EXTRA charge for dimmable version. Floor lamp by Eileen Gray. Chrome-plated tubular steel with black plastic lamp socket for mounting light source. Floor plate chrome-plated metal with push-button switch. Felt gliders. Light tube included. Light tube: LED linear lamp...
Steel
Vintage Industrial Modernist 'Model 71' Eileen Gray Jumo Desk Lamp c.1930
By Eileen Gray
Located in London, GB
A well proportioned 'Model 71' desk lamp designed by Elieen Gray for Jumo. c.1930. Ahead of its time in terms of design - constructed from tubular steel with the original gold paint...
Steel
Vintage Tube Light Floor Lamp by Eileen Gray
By Eileen Gray
Located in Weesp, NL
Design Icon: The Tube Light Floor Lamp by Eileen Gray for ClassiCon Minimalism meets modernism in the timeless Tube Light Floor Lamp, a sculptural statement piece designed by Eileen...
Chrome
$4,315 / item
ClassiCon Roattino Black Floor Lamp by Eileen Gray
By Eileen Gray
Located in New York, NY
The curved line of the Roattino floor lamp looks as though a snake charmer had made the cable rise and the lamp head bend. An S-shaped bent steel t...
Steel
Art Deco Desk Lamp by Eileen Gray
By Eileen Gray, Maison Jumo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This iconic desk lamp has its original pastel blue finish. We have rewired and refurbished the lamp with US sockets and new wiring. The lamp offers a versatile lighting source since ...
Steel
ClassiCon Tube Light Floor Lamp by Eileen Gray in STOCK
By Eileen Gray
Located in New York, NY
NON-dimmable Floor lamp by Eileen Gray. Chrome-plated tubular steel with black plastic lamp socket for mounting light source. Floor plate chrome-plated metal with push-button switc...
Steel
$4,315 / item
ClassiCon Roattino White Floor Lamp by Eileen Gray
By Eileen Gray
Located in New York, NY
The curved line of the Roattino floor lamp looks as though a snake charmer had made the cable rise and the lamp head bend. An S-shaped bent steel t...
Steel
Eileen Gray Jumo No.71 Desk Lamp
By Eileen Gray
Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex
Eileen Gray No.71 Lamp by Jumo. This lamp showcases the minimalist, functional elegance typical of Gray. Sleek lines and adjustable elements reflecting her modernist approach blendin...
Chrome, Sheet Metal
$468Sale Price|47% Off
H 21.26 in W 7.09 in D 13.39 in
Mid-Century Modern Desk Lamps by André Mounique for Jumo - France
By Maison Jumo, Andre Mounique
Located in Bingen am Rhein, RP
Art Deco table lamp by Andre Mounique (attributed to) The table lamp was designed and manufactured by the Jumo company. This model is the 1970s version. The modernist chrome-plated ...
Metal, Chrome
$1,690
H 7.49 in W 10.63 in D 5.91 in
"Bolide" Desk Lamp by Jumo, circa 1945, Original Made in France, Mint Condition
By Maison Jumo
Located in Buffalo, NY
Step back in time to the 1940s with this exquisite table lamp designed and produced by JUMO Brevete in France. Founded by Yves Jujeau and Pierre and André Mounique, the JUMO company ...
Copper, Chrome
$1,235Sale Price|44% Off
H 18.12 in W 4.73 in D 14.97 in
Italian Midcentury Black and Brass Adjustable Clamp Desk Lamp by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Vienna, AT
This Charming Italian 1950s brass clamp desk or table lamp with black lacquered adjustable and perforated shade has been manufactured by Stilnovo in the 1950s. The lamp has two more ...
Brass, Metal
Art Deco Desk Lamp by Eileen Gray
By Eileen Gray, Maison Jumo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This iconic desk lamp has its original pastel blue finish. We have rewired and refurbished the lamp with US sockets and new wiring. The lamp offers a versatile lighting source since ...
Steel
Vintage Tube Light Floor Lamp by Eileen Gray
By Eileen Gray
Located in Weesp, NL
Design Icon: The Tube Light Floor Lamp by Eileen Gray for ClassiCon Minimalism meets modernism in the timeless Tube Light Floor Lamp, a sculptural statement piece designed by Eileen...
Chrome
Art Deco Brass Table/ Desk Lamp, Re Edition
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Big elegant desk lamp with two sockets All components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will UL-list and label our fixtures.
Brass
Pair of French Art Deco Table Lamps by Hanots
By Verrerie des Hanots
Located in Long Island City, NY
A gorgeous pair of French Art Deco frosted glass table Lamps by the French artist "HANOTS" in (signature in the last image) in great ...
Nickel
Charlotte Perriand Jumo Desk Lamp
By Charlotte Perriand
Located in Sherborne, GB
Charlotte Perriand was a rare female voice among the avant-garde designers whose designs shaped modern living in the early 20th century. A pioneer of modernism in France, Charlotte P...
Metal
$3,157
H 44 in W 34.5 in D 15.5 in
Eileen Gray Art Deco Desk Lamp, Brass & Metal, Vintage Design, 1940
Located in Wiesbaden, DE
Desk Lamp by Eileen Gray Designer, artist and architect Eileen Gray was one of the most fascinating creative figures of the 20th century. Her work includes glossy lacquered pieces – ...
Metal, Brass
1930's French Industrial Desk Lamp
Located in Paris, FR
A striking French 20-century vintage desk or table lamp composed of aluminum, steel and brass. The base features a push-type switch and the light rotated and the base and shade. Th...
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
Art Deco Table Lamp, to Fog and Mørup 1930s, Lamp Table
By Fog & Mørup
Located in Roma, IT
Adorable Art Deco bedside lamp presumably produced by Fog & Mørup in Denmark. Base and lampshade in green painted metal. The shadow can be ti...
Metal, Zinc, Aluminum
$1,891 / set
H 8 in W 5.3 in D 6.6 in
Stunning and Rare Pair of 1930s Art Deco Table or Bedside Lamps Made of Bakelite
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare pair of 1930s Art Deco bakelite table lamps with faux Marble finish, rewired for U.S. use. A spectacular and exceedingly rare matching pair of authentic 1930s Art Deco table l...
Metal
Sold
H 15.75 in W 17.33 in D 9.85 in
Vintage Industrial Modernist 'Model 71' Eileen Gray Jumo Desk Lamp c.1930
By Eileen Gray
Located in London, GB
A nicely proportioned 'Model 71' desk lamp designed by Elieen Gray for Jumo. c.1930. Ahead of its time in terms of design - constructed from chrome-plated tubular steel with a grey ...
Steel
ClassiCon Tube Light floor lamp, design by Eileen Gray
By Eileen Gray
Located in Delft, NL
ClassiCon Tube Light floor lamp, design by Eileen Gray A chrome Tube Light floor lamp, designed in 1927 by the Irish designer Eileen Gray (1878-1976), manufactured by ClassiCon, Mün...
Chrome
Eileen Grey Desk Lamp, France circa 1940
By Eileen Gray
Located in Culver City, CA
France, 1940 A very good original example with light patination to the leatherette & brass work. Designed for Jumo by Eileen Gray. 14.5”w x 16”d x 19”h Ref. L5090 $ 2,800
Brass
“Mermaid” Table Lamp by Eileen Gray for Jumo, France ca 1950s
By Maison Jumo, Eileen Gray
Located in Utrecht, NL
Eileen Gray was a significant designer and architect born in 1878 in Brownswood, Ireland. While in Paris, in the 1920s, Gray opened her own stores to sell her furniture pieces - and just a few years later, designed and built the iconic “E-1027” Modernist villa in the south of France along with frequent collaborator Jean Badovici. Whilst her earlier works were mostly figurative, she eventually became a proponent of Modernity, inspired by traditional Japanese craftsmanship and the geometric Dutch art movement known as De Stijl. Gray is best known for her revolutionary and innovative designs, such as this ‘Mermaid’ table...
Sheet Metal
Sold
H 18.9 in Dm 11.82 in
Art Deco Iconic Large Bakelite Desk Table Lamp by Eileen Gray, France, C1930
By Eileen Gray
Located in Devon, England
Designed by Eileen Gray for the French Jumo company and dating to the 1930's this very stylish lamp is made from two primary components which are bakelite and metal. Superb mushroom ...
Metal
Sold
H 17.72 in W 15.75 in D 9.06 in
Art Deco Table Lamp, Model N71, from Jumo, Eileen Gray, André Mounique
By Eileen Gray, Maison Jumo
Located in Bingen am Rhein, RP
Art Deco table lamp from JUMO - Model N71 This popular table lamp was designed by André Mounique for Jumo. It unmistakably combines the elegance and functionality of Art Deco. The J...
Metal, Chrome
Art Deco Table Lamp "Mermaid" from Jumo by Eileen Gray
By Eileen Gray, Maison Jumo
Located in Bingen am Rhein, RP
Art Deco table lamp from Eileen Gray - Siren This stunning Art Deco lamp from the 1950s is an outstanding example of the elegance and sophistication of the Art Deco style. With its ...
Metal, Aluminum
Sold
H 13 in W 17.33 in D 11.42 in
Black and brass gold desk lamp model N71 by Eileen Gray for Jumo, France 1940s
By Eileen Gray
Located in Zaandam, NL
The iconic model n71 or jumo in the most coveted version in black with gold brass details. This desk lamp is in good condition considering its age, this is also one of the earliest e...
Metal, Brass
1950's Eileen Gray Desk Lamp
By Eileen Gray
Located in London, GB
This stunning piece perfectly embodies the iconic design philosophy of its creator, Eileen Grey, known for her innovative and timeless creations. This table lamp showcases a sleek a...
Brass, Metal
Eileen Gray Desk Lamp, France, circa 1930
By Eileen Gray
Located in Culver City, CA
Eileen Gray Desk Lamps, France Circa 1930 Modernist desk light designed by Eileen Gray for Jumo. In wonderful unrestored condition. Measures 17.5”w x ...
Metal
Sold
H 15.75 in W 17.33 in D 5.91 in
Art Deco Table Lamp, Model N71, from Jumo, Eileen Gray, André Mounique
By Maison Jumo, Eileen Gray
Located in Bingen am Rhein, RP
Art Deco table lamp from JUMO - Model N71 This original Art Deco desk lamp is often attributed to the legendary designer Eileen Gray. However, this popular desk lamp was designed by...
Metal, Chrome
1950s Mid-century table lamp by Eileen Gray, JUMO, France.
By Eileen Gray
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Beautiful black and silver Jumo lamp by Eileen Gray for JUMO. Circa 1950. With its chrome-plated arm and black moleskin-covered reflector, it's a very elegant design. Both arm and reflector are adjustable. It is in very good condition and works. --------------------- JUMO was a famous lighting...
Metal, Steel, Chrome