A02: Long Description of Designer

EILEEN GRAY

Eileen Gray

I chose an influential, woman designer because I would like to recognize more women designers in the world.

Eileen Gray went to Slade School of Fine Arts and also worked at a furniture-workshops to help jump start on her life's work. Gray first went to Paris to go to other schools such as Ecole Colarossi and Academie Julian. However, while she was living in Paris she learned Japanese lacquer techniques because she was inspired by Japanese artisan Seizo Sougawara. Around 1910, she started making lacquer screens. Her first major client was Jacques Doucet, who noticed her and this is when she started to become well known. Another big hit was when she came back to France after World War 1, she was commissioned by Mathieu Levy to redecorate the interior of her apartment in Paris. In 1922, she opened her shop and sold her lacquer tables and screens. Eileen's work was influenced by contemporary architecture and she began making functional furniture. She's known for her famous furniture, "E-1027" side table with a circular glass on top with steel frame.

http://www.gray-eileen.com/

More importantly, what I found about Eileen Gray that was so inspiring but unfortunate is during World War II, she got her house destroyed by the German army. Because of her gender, she was denied a lot of support, however, in the late 1960s her works were in an Italian magazine that helped her get back in the business and have a successful auction in 1972.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/22139913/A-Short-Biography-of-Eileen-Gray

Reflection:

Honestly, during that time period for me, I can't even imagine what life would be like during war. I know we're going through it now, but it isn't as prominent in our lives as it should be. A woman back then with gender discrimination and able to come out to the top as one of the most influential designers is amazing. And it's great to know even when these designers aren't alive anymore, their designs and works are still influential to today's design. I prefer the antique furniture works better than the modern ones because I feel like it's such a style that no one can easily forget. It's a progression of what people had to go through to get to where we are now with more knowledge of how to make suitable designs for people in the society.

All images sources:

http://www.squidoo.com/eileen-gray-chairs