Eileen Gray, 1879 - 1976

de forme ronde, laquée brun et tachetée d'argent

Madame Eileen Gray
Madame Monika Kinley, cadeau de l'artiste

Très bon état général. Quelques rare petite tâches et plissure de la laque au centre de l'assiette et sur le marli, quelques rares et infimes rayures d'usage au revers. Very good overall condition. Some spotting and crazing to the center and the rim, a few very minor scratches commensurate with age to the underside.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

My contact and subsequent friendship with Eileen Gray came about through the artist

Prunella Clough, her niece, who was part of my circle of artists I represented and showed in my apartment in the 70's. Prunella knew my interest in design generally, and as we were close friends, an introduction to Eileen came about. I frequently went to the storage venue, knew all the discussions that went on, and jealously envied sales that took place.

 

Eileen was what I would call a 'grand dame', she knew how great a designer she was, her history was in her bearing. I was lucky enough to go to her Paris flat and sat on the grand sofa drinking tea.

 

Subsequently Prunella gave me her photographic library to sort out, and for many years I was dealing with any enquiries.

 

Eileen and Prunella decided the carpet designs should be seen and made after the show in my flat in 1979, which Eileen attended, and where we showed the cork screen, some of her pictures she made during the Second World War and numerous carpet designs.

I wanted to show them in New York and eventually found the right gallery with Rosa Esman, in 1980. Due to my enthusiasm Eileen and Prunella decided on having a few made but only to order. Hence the carpet offered for sale here.

 

Sometime during that time I was in hospital and there exists a rather typical letter 'wishing she could take a helicopter to see me'. Not train, she loved to fly !

 

The lacquer plate (lot 137) was a gift during that time and also a wonderful drawing for the ballet she was involved in.

 

I have so many visual memories, what a pity they are not on film !

 

 

Monika Kinley