Charlotte Perriand and Eileen Gray

This lecture explores the creative journeys, biographies, and most outstanding works of two of the greatest women in the field of design.

Born an Irish aristocrat, Kathleen Eileen Gray Moray was destined, according to the conventions of the high society of her time, to engage in nothing more than watercolor sketches, a popular pastime among privileged ladies with an interest in art. It was not considered suitable for her to venture into furniture design, especially in conservative Britain, which couldn't readily accept such a choice. Consequently, Eileen decided to leave for Paris, where she pursued her education at some of France's finest schools, including the Ecole Colarossi on Rue de la Grande Chaumière and the renowned Académie Julian. Her future became intertwined with Paris and France as a whole. By selecting fashionable couturiers, actresses, and socialites as her clientele, Eileen introduced pioneering new design concepts to the world, using innovative materials and forms well before the «Greatest» did. Eileen's creative journey is exceptional because design for her was not just a profession; it was a spiritual aspiration. Her initial wealth allowed her to embark on groundbreaking work without being constrained by society's expectations.

In stark contrast, Charlotte Perriand's fate was quite different. Her name is often overshadowed by Le Corbusier, the architect in whose studio she began her career. Le Corbusier, known for his blunt approach, initially resisted bringing her into his studio, convinced that women in design were only capable of embroidery or pillow-making. However, the reality was vastly different. Perriand's collaboration with Le Corbusier resulted in some of his most outstanding interior works, and her contribution to shaping the iconic furniture associated with Le Corbusier is clearly no less significant (and some would argue even more so) than that of the titular author. Yet, not many are aware of Perriand's exceptional personal creations. She stands as one of the most significant female designers of the 20th century, often overlooked by history.