This table exudes a certain elegance, with a femininity about it that suits bedrooms or areas of relaxation. The glass top depicts a fragile nature but is offset by the chrome structure which delivers strength and beauty. As with all great designs, it is simple but very clever. A timeless classic, as modern looking today as it was when it was designed in 1927 by Eileen Gray.
Gray was born in Ireland in 1878. She studied at the Slade School of Art and was a renowned architect and furniture designer. At the beginning of her career she was best known for her lacquer screens or room dividers which adorned wealthy Parisian homes. Around 1920 she met and became influenced by her Modernist friends and contemporaries, such as Le Corbusier. As a result her work became simpler and more functional, as exemplified by the E1027 table pictured and the Castellar Mirror (1927), which has a section that folds out to show the user other angles. Gray designed both of these for use in her own house.
It is not just her more modern looking pieces that are highly coveted. An earlier and more elaborate chair, the Fauteuil aux Dragons (Dragon Chair 1917) – designed by Gray and once owned by Yves Saint Laurent – went on sale at Christie’s auction house in 2009. It was expected to sell for $2million but was actually sold for $28 million.
The E1027 Adjustable Table is an iconic piece and although Aram are the only official worldwide licensed producers of the table there are many copies available for sale.