Eileen Gray

Design meets Cinema

Eileen Gray, a visionary designer and architect, takes center stage in the new film E.1027 – Eileen Gray and the House by the Sea. This cinematic journey delves into the life of Gray and the story of her iconic modernist villa, E.1027, nestled on the French Riviera. More than just a house, E.1027 serves as a lens through which we can appreciate Gray’s exceptional design philosophy, blending architecture and furniture into a seamless whole.

A film that captures genius

The film provides an intimate portrayal of Gray’s creative process and her dedication to crafting spaces that reflect the needs of their inhabitants. The villa itself becomes a character, embodying her modernist ideals of functionality, harmony, and human-centric design. Gray’s genius is evident in how every element of the villa—from its spatial layout to its bespoke furniture—was meticulously designed to enhance the living experience.

One of the film’s highlights is its exploration of how Gray’s iconic furniture pieces were integral to the E.1027 project. These designs were not just decorative additions but essential components of her architectural vision.

Iconic Designs within E.1027

The Adjustable Table E1027, seen prominently in the film, is more than a functional object; it symbolizes Gray’s mastery of versatility and elegance. Its adjustable height and clean, minimalist design perfectly complement the villa’s ethos of adaptability and simplicity. The Bibendum Chair, showcased in the villa’s living space, reflects Gray’s playful yet sophisticated approach to design. The chair’s tubular cushions echo the modernist aesthetic of the house, offering both comfort and visual intrigue. The Castellar Mirror’s geometric form and reflective qualities enhance the light and space within E.1027, demonstrating how Gray used such elements to create an interplay of functionality and beauty. The Menton Table and Rivoli Side Table, featured throughout the villa, illustrate Gray’s talent for balancing form and function. Their compact, elegant designs align with the villa’s focus on efficient, harmonious living. Lastly, the TubeLight, an avant-garde lighting solution, highlights Gray’s innovative use of industrial materials. Its sleek design integrates seamlessly into the villa’s modernist framework, emphasizing her forward-thinking vision.

A Holistic Vision

The film underscores how Gray’s furniture and architecture were conceived as a unified whole. E.1027 was not merely a backdrop for her designs; it was a living expression of her philosophy that every element of a space should serve its inhabitants while embodying timeless beauty.

A Lasting Legacy

'E.1027 – Eileen Gray and the House by the Sea' invites viewers to step into the world of a design pioneer who redefined modernism. Through the lens of the villa and its furnishings, the film celebrates Gray’s enduring impact on both architecture and design.

As the spotlight shines on Eileen Gray’s work, we are reminded of the brilliance of her integrated approach, where each piece contributes to the greater whole. Her legacy, immortalized in the villa and her timeless designs, continues to inspire and captivate, just as the film so beautifully illustrates.

Where to See

The film 'E.1027 – Eileen Gray and the House by the Sea' is being shown at international festivals and select cinemas around the world. Highlights include screenings at the Architecture & Design Film Festival in New York, Docaviv in Israel, and CPH:DOX in Denmark. Additionally, it has been released in theaters across France, Switzerland, and Germany, with more locations to follow. Check local listings and film festival schedules to experience this tribute to a design legend near you.

The film E.1027 – Eileen Gray and the House by the Sea will be screened in Belgium at De Studio, Antwerp, on March 4, 2025, at 19:45, with an introduction by experts from the Flemish Architecture Institute (VAi), and again on March 18, 2025, at 19:45 without an introduction. The film, presented in French and English with English subtitles, explores the iconic seaside house designed by Eileen Gray. Tickets are available via De Cinema. More details can be found on the VAi website.

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Footnotes: 
Text and Images: Das Kollektiv/soap factory - Designcollectors