Podcast Summary: Women Designers You Should Know – Episode 025: Eileen Gray: The Self-Taught Architect (w/ Emily Farnham)

Host: Amber Asay
Guest: Emily Farnham
Release Date: November 19, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 025 of Women Designers You Should Know, host Amber Asay delves into the life and legacy of Eileen Gray, a pioneering Irish-born designer and architect who significantly influenced modernism despite lacking formal architectural training. Joining her is Emily Farnham, a renowned architect based in Los Angeles, who provides expert insights into Gray's work and its enduring impact.

Emily Farnham’s Journey into Architecture

Emily Farnham shares her personal journey into architecture, highlighting her creative upbringing and early influences.

• Creative Upbringing:
  “I literally grew up inside of a building site... immersed in how things come together.” (03:16)

• Education and Early Career:
  Farnham attended the University of Virginia’s School of Architecture, followed by a master’s degree at Harvard. She emphasizes the apprenticeship-like nature of architectural education and the barriers it can present.
  “Architecture is still very much an old school apprenticeship.” (05:40)

The Overlooked Legacy of Eileen Gray

Despite her groundbreaking work, Eileen Gray was scarcely mentioned during Farnham’s education. This revelation underscores the broader issue of women’s contributions being underrepresented in architectural history.

• Lack of Recognition in Education:
  “We didn’t cover her at all in school.” (07:25)

• Rediscovery and Growing Recognition:
  Farnham recounts how Gray’s work became more prominent in her own research over the past decade, highlighting available documentaries like Gray Matters.

Influences and Design Philosophy

Farnham discusses how her experiences in major cities like New York, Boston, San Francisco, and Los Angeles have shaped her approach to design, emphasizing context and adaptability.

• Holistic Approach to Design:
  “I am a process-driven designer... improve that life through design.” (10:55)

• Integration with Eileen Gray’s Principles:
  Farnham draws parallels between her human-centric design philosophy and Gray’s approach, particularly in how interiors guide architectural decisions.

Notable Projects and Restoration Work

Emily Farnham highlights her notable restoration projects, including Mandy Moore's mid-century home and a rare case study home for Lily Collins, emphasizing the importance of preserving architectural integrity.

• Mandy Moore’s Mid-Century Home:
  Farnham recounts restoring original elements while introducing compatible contemporary features.
  “It felt like it had been there in a way... old meets the new.” (19:11)

• Case Study Home for Lily Collins:
  Detailed restoration included unveiling original architectural plans and integrating new materials seamlessly.
  “We created a large display bookshelf... original plans and the original photography.” (20:56)

Deep Dive into Eileen Gray’s Life and Work

The conversation transitions to Eileen Gray’s remarkable career, starting from her artistic roots to her ventures into furniture design and architecture.

• Early Life and Artistic Beginnings:
  Born in 1878 in County Wexford, Ireland, Gray was influenced by her father’s landscape painting and her mother’s puzzle design, fostering her creative and spatial thinking skills.
  “Art was in the air that she breathed.” (26:09)

• From Lacquer Work to Furniture Design:
  Gray’s dedication to lacquer work led her to establish a workshop in Paris, producing high-end, artistic pieces like her modular brick screens, which Farnham describes as her first foray into architectural space creation.
  “This was her first architecture on a most basic level, because by placing the screen, she was creating a space.” (32:11)

E1027: A Masterpiece Steeped in Drama

E1027, Gray’s iconic house, exemplifies her architectural genius and the tumultuous events that surrounded it.

• Design and Construction:
  At 48, Gray began designing E1027 without formal training, emphasizing human-centric interiors that guided the overall architecture.
  “The interior plan should not be the incidental result of the facade.” (44:06)

• Conflict with Le Corbusier:
  Post-construction, Le Corbusier’s unauthorized murals disrupted Gray’s minimalist vision, sparking debates about artistic dominance and gender dynamics in architecture.
  “He was so jealous of that. I think there was envy in there that he really felt the need to claim some of it as well.” (47:11)

Resilience and Rediscovery

Despite World War II's devastation, which saw E1027 used as a barracks and subjected to bombings, Gray’s legacy endured through rediscovery efforts in the 1960s and beyond.

• Post-War Challenges:
  The villa suffered significant damage, and much of Gray’s work was lost, yet her spirit remained unbroken.
  “Her archive was completely destroyed. It’s really heartbreaking.” (52:46)

• Renaissance of Gray’s Work:
  Historian Joseph Reichwert’s 1967 essay in Domus reignited interest in Gray’s contributions, leading to exhibitions and increased recognition of her role in modern design.
  “She was never recognized like this before. In fact, Yves Saint Laurent even bought one of her pieces at an auction in 1972.” (53:39)

Legacy and Preservation

E1027’s restoration by the Conservatoire de Littoral and Cap Moderne ensures that Gray’s visionary designs continue to inspire future generations.

• Restoration Efforts:
  The restoration focused on preserving Gray’s original vision, including her custom-designed furniture, making E1027 accessible for contemporary visitors.
  “It was about reviving a legacy.” (57:23)

• Enduring Influence:
  Gray’s pieces like the Bibendum chair and E1027 table remain in production, testifying to her lasting impact on design.
  “Design could be playful, practical, and profoundly human all at once.” (58:30)

Closing Remarks

Amber and Emily reflect on Gray’s indomitable spirit and multifaceted talent, celebrating her as a trailblazer who seamlessly blended function with beauty. Farnham expresses admiration for Gray’s ability to conquer diverse design challenges, while Asay emphasizes the importance of recognizing women’s contributions to the architectural and design fields.

• Emily Farnham’s Favorite Aspects:
  “Eileen was extremely determined to carve out her own path... much more meaningful than designing the exterior of a building as a composition in a vacuum.” (59:23)

• Amber Asay’s Reflections:
  “There’s a lot of beauty in design and a lot of creating very iconic pieces. And it's just so gold.” (62:12)

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Amber Asay:
  “I can’t imagine. And it was because it's made from SAP of the lacquer tree, which contains rouge oil.” (29:52)

• Emily Farnham:
  “The interior plan should not be the incidental result of the facade. It should lead to a complete, harmonious and logical life.” (56:03)

Conclusion

Episode 025 of Women Designers You Should Know offers an in-depth exploration of Eileen Gray’s extraordinary journey and enduring legacy, enriched by Emily Farnham’s professional insights. The episode not only highlights Gray’s contributions to modern design and architecture but also underscores the broader narrative of women’s often-overlooked roles in shaping the built environment. Listeners are left inspired by Gray’s resilience and Farnham’s passion for preserving and celebrating women in design.

Follow Emily Farnham:

• Instagram: @emilyfarnhamarchitecture
• Website: emilyfarnham.com

Support the Podcast:
Consider making a donation via the link in the show notes to help Amber Asay continue uncovering and celebrating the stories of remarkable women designers.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and narratives from Episode 025, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven’t listened to the episode.