Eileen Gray: The Private Painter, Osborne Samuel, 23A Bruton St, London W1, until 7th November 2015
Eileen Gray,
Still Life with Kpan Mask, 1920s
Vintage silver gelatin print 11.2 × 11.3 cm (43 /8 × 41 /2 in)
It is a surprise that this is the first UK exhibition of paintings by the notable Irish designer and architect Eileen Gray (1878 – 1976) and thankfully the publication of an eponymous book allows us to experience this great treat. Although she was first an exponent of Art Deco by the mid-1920s she was one of the leading pioneering figures of Modernism. Painting was a pastime to relax from the stresses of everyday life, although some served as inspirations for her carpets. As well as her pictures there are some of her letters and other ephemera as well as objects from her studio.
Eileen Gray
L’Art Noir (Study for Rug), 1920s,
Gouache on paper, 27.2 × 27.2 cm (105/8 in × 105/8 in)
One can easily appreciate why Yves St Laurent’s interest in her works in the early 1970s deservedly revived interest in her work.
Table with blue glass vase, beach pebble on stand, African sculpture on lacquered base, Greek torso on marble base, two ceramic bowls and one small wooden easel
Book Details: Eileen Gray: The Private Painter by Peter Adam and Andrew Lambirth Published by Lund Humphries and Osborne Samuel gallery. UK Publication October 2015, US Publication November 2015 60 colour and 10 b&w illustrations; 104pp, 265 x 228mm. Hardback: 978-1-84822-183-3 R.R.P. £30.00 / $60.
Eileen Gray,
Untitled, 1920,
Gouache, pencil & collage on paper, 17.3 x 17 cms (63⁄4 x 63⁄4 in)
Tim Forrest's E & A 