The Shades of Gray: Eileen Gray’s Oeuvre and its Influence on Contemporary Irish Furniture Design

Anna Reddan
Trinity College Dublin
Department of History of Art and Architecture
2012
BA

Subject: Architecture, Furniture and Design
Country: Ireland
Period: 20th Century

10,000 words

This dissertation sets out to investigate the influence of Eileen Gray’s designs on contemporary Irish furniture. The development of furniture design from the late-nineteenth century to the mid-twentieth century is discussed in order to understand the context of Gray’s oeuvre. Gray’s key works are analysed and discussed in terms of material, form and innovation. The connection between these designs and contemporary Irish furniture design is then investigated by discussing key works by prominent Irish designers. Comparisons are drawn between pieces designed by Gray and pieces designed by these Irish designers, considering the process of design, material and concept. The findings demonstrate that Eileen Gray’s furniture designs have had a great influence on contemporary Irish furniture design.

Irish Georgian Society

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The Shades of Gray: Eileen Gray’s Oeuvre and its Influence on Contemporary Irish Furniture Design