Eileen Gray

lacquered wood panels and metal

Gift from the artist to the present owner in 1964
Private collection, Paris

FR : Bon état général. Le plateau en laque a été récemment nettoyé et quelques reprises de laque ont été effectuées par un restaurateur professionnel (un constat peut être obtenu sur demande). Au moins deux techniques différentes de laque ont été utilisées sur les panneaux (un avec une sous-couche de feuille d’argent, les deux autres avec une sous-couche brune). La structure métallique peinte est d’origine. Quelques petites traces d’oxydation accompagnées de quelques manques de peinture, notamment sur les parties reposant sur le sol. EN : Good overall condition. The lacquer top has been recently cleaned and some lacquered areas has been refreshed by a professional restorer (A report could be obtained on request). At least two different lacquer techniques have been used on the panels (one with a silver leef undercoat, two with a brownish undercoat). The painted metallic structure is completely original. Several minor traces of oxidation with a few lacks of painting, especially on the parts in contact with the ground.
"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."

The offered lot is to be compared with a table sold by Sotheby's Paris on November 22nd 2011, lot 138. This table was created for Tempe à Pailla in 1935 and offered by Eileen Gray to Mrs Natalia Ferrand. The two women met in 1960 in Paris and stayed in touch until Eileen Gray's death in 1976. During these years, warmth and kindness united the two women who spent entire days chatting on the artist's sofa, on rue Bonaparte. In 1964, Mrs Ferrand's daughter announced her wedding and Eileen Gray asked her what she would like as a wedding gift. The bride-to-be answered "an object made by you". This is how Eileen Gray offered this table with the same structure as the one from Tempe a Pailla but on a smaller size and with a top comprising three lacquered panels.
As Eileen Gray used lacquer from 1913 to 1930 and the metal structure was created circa 1935-1940, this table could be dated between 1930 and 1950.
Several variations of this model possessing a similar structure but different dimensions are known, some with a copper top, some with an engraved pine top and some with a pine top with glass inlay. 

This table will be included in the catalogue raisonné written by Mr. Patrice le Fay d'Extepare d'Ibarrola.