Eileen Gray

cork, mahogany and metal

Monika Kinley, London
Collection of Keith Lichtenstein, London
Collection of Andrew Crispo, New York
DeLorenzo Gallery, New York
Private american collection, acquired from the above in 2000
Private collection, Europe, acquired from the above in 2014-2015

Monika Kinley, London, 1975

"Things Seen - Eminence Gray", Design, n. 319, July 1975, one screen illustrated p. 23 in Monika Kinley's 1975 exhibition
John Loring, "The Collectors : The Refinements of Art Déco, Andrew Crispo in New York", Architectural Digest, March 1980, both screens illustrated p. 106
Peter Adam, Eileen Gray, Architect/Designer, New York, 1987, one screen illustrated p. 373 in Monika Kinley's 1975 exhibition
Eileen Gray : An architecture for all senses, exhibition catalogue, Deutsches Architektur-Museum, Frankfurt, September 25 - December 1, 1996, one screen illustrated p. 11 in Monika Kinley's 1975 exhibition

Good overall condition. The cork elements are slightly dry, partially unglued, disjoined and present with some cracks inherent to the material and resulting from the drying up. A few liftings of cork and some small chips, mostly concentrated around the edges, with a few rare chips more significant, consistent with age and use. A few stains (most likely glue stains) scattered on the panels. There are possible previous restorations on the cork. Some light scratches, minute dents, rare light cracks and a few small chips on the wooden frames. The hinges are slightly oxidized, partially un-screwed and a few screws are missing.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

These two screens are from an edition of five with two variant heights edited by Eileen Gray's niece, Prunella Clough, in 1973. Monika Kinley, a collector and curator and also a friend of Prunella Clough, held an exhibition in 1975 that included drawings and furniture chosen by Eileen Gray and her niece, including the two present lots, one of which is documented in a photograph of the exhibition.
Three of the five screens were purchased by museums : the Portsmouth City Museum (acc. n. 220/1975), the Leicester City Art Gallery (acc. n. LD59.1976.0) and the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery (n. Na222, purchased in 1980). The present lots are the only two screens remaining in private hands.