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.
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
$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
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
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
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 Maison Jumo, Eileen Gray
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
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
French Design Wood Texture Metal Large Desk Lamp by Eileen Gray, 1950s, France
By Eileen Gray
Located in Hagenbach, DE
French Design Wood Texture Metal Large Desk Lamp by Eileen Gray, 1950s, France *Adjustable shade Lampshade is in good condition and very clean. This lamp works with 2x French B22 l...
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
$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
$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
$1,063Sale Price|53% 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
Eileen Gray Jumo Desk Lamp
By Maison Jumo, Eileen Gray
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
$260Sale Price|77% Off
H 16.15 in Dm 9.06 in
French Art Deco Table Lamp, Ezan Style, Beech, Chrome and Glass, circa 1930
By Ezan
Located in Labrit, Landes
Art Deco in the Ezan style table lamp, its elegant beech base is surmounted by a lamp glass combining chrome and glass typically Art Deco. Very nice warm light. French circa 1930 T...
Chrome
1970s Chromed Tube Floor Lamp Style Sciolari
By Sciolari Lighting
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Modern Chrome Tube Floor Lamp 59.5 h x 10.25 diameter base Preowned original vintage condition Refer to provided images.
Chrome
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
$1,137
H 18.12 in W 13 in D 4.34 in
French Design Wood Texture Metal Large Desk Lamp by Eileen Gray, 1950s, France
By Eileen Gray
Located in Hagenbach, DE
French Design Wood Texture Metal Large Desk Lamp by Eileen Gray, 1950s, France *Adjustable shade Lampshade is in good condition and very clean. This lamp works with 2x French B22 l...
Metal
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
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
$900Sale Price / set|64% Off
H 20.87 in Dm 12.6 in
Set of Three ClassiCon Bell Pendant Lamps Copper Top by Sebastian Herkner STOCK
By Sebastian Herkner
Located in New York, NY
ClassiCon bell lamps with shade copper top White share 32CM D x 53CM H Sebastian Herkner BRAND NEW SHADES
Copper
$2,900 / set
H 14 in W 13.25 in D 5 in
Pair of French Art Deco Table Lamps Attributed to Jules Leleu, circa 1930
By Jules Leleu
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of French Art Deco Table Lamps Attributed to Jules Leleu, circa 1930 A stunning pair of original French Art Deco table lamps, attributed to Jules Leleu, celebrated for his refi...
Brass
French Art Deco 1930s Torchiere Ceramic Table Lamp
By Jean Besnard
Located in New York, NY
An original 1930s French Art Deco uplight ceramic table lamp made in the Crispe coral like style of the artist Jean Besnard. Rewired with a standard 200 watt socket.
Ceramic
$7,992Sale Price|26% Off
H 83 in W 53 in D 57 in
Serge Mouille - Three Arm Floor Lamp in Black - IN STOCK!
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
DESCRIPTION: This is the most versatile lamp of the Mouille collection. Each ‘chapeau’ shade can be oriented differently. Sculptural in form with three rotating arms, it stands maje...
Aluminum, Steel
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 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 Eileen Gray, Maison Jumo
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 Eileen Gray, Maison Jumo
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