Women in Design | Eileen Gray

As International Women's Day 2025 approaches, Matisse is honoured to spotlight Irish architect and designer Eileen Gray, known for her pioneering work in modernist furniture and architecture. A key figure in early 20th-century design, she blended Art Deco elegance with functional minimalism, often incorporating innovative materials such as tubular steel and lacquer.

During the 1920s and 1930s she became one of the leading exponents of the revolutionary new theories of design and construction. She worked closely with many of the outstanding figures of the modern movement, fore fronting numerous home designs and leaving an indelible mark on our ideas about living. At Matisse, we celebrate her contributions and those of countless other women shaping and inspiring the design world.

Eileen Gray moved from Ireland to London and later Paris, where she studied at the Slade School of Fine Art. Initially trained in painting, she became one of the first women to master lacquerwork, collaborating with Japanese craftsman Seizo Sugawara. Gray gained early recognition for her Art Deco-inspired furniture and interiors, notably designing a sleek and modern apartment for fashion designer Suzanne Talbo

We are proud to highlight a selection of Gray's iconic designs, each exemplifying her commitment to innovation, aesthetics, form and function. Below are some standout pieces available at Matisse

E-1027 Adjustable Table - Of all the classics, this one stands out as perhaps the most iconic. Its masterfully balanced proportions and distinctive form have made the height-adjustable table one of the most celebrated design pieces of the 20th century. It is named after Eileen Gray’s own creation, the E 1027 'Maison en bord de mer,' a house she built for herself and her partner Jean Badovici.

Bibendum Armchair -Bibendum is truly unique. No other armchair in design history compares to it. Despite its large size, it exudes a captivating harmony, blending majestic presence with charm and wit in a way no other leather armchair does. Eileen Gray emphasized the character of her striking creation with a touch of irony, naming it after the Michelin Man, whose shape the armchair subtly evokes.

Wendingen Rug - Eileen Gray not only designed some of the most significant furniture classics of the 20th century, but she also ran her own studio where rugs were crafted based on her designs. Some of her most stunning patterns are now available once more as re-editions: true masterpieces of abstract textile art made from 100% pure new wool, dyed with natural vegetable dyes, hand-woven, and processed to the highest standards, featuring a density of 80 knots per square inch. Wendingen pays tribute to the Dutch architectural journal that helped establish Eileen Gray's fame.

Celebrating Women in Design

Eileen Gray’s legacy extends far beyond her groundbreaking furniture and architecture; her work challenged traditional design boundaries, offering a new vision of modernism that emphasized comfort, adaptability, and the connection between space and the individual.

As International Women's Day 2025 approaches, we invite you to explore these designs and reflect on the enduring legacy of women in design.