Modernism

Modernism (1930 - 1950) is a philosophical movement that arose from transformations in Western society. Modernism rejected the certainty of Enlightenment thinking, and many modernists rejected religious belief. Modernism, in general includes the activities and creations of those who felt the traditional forms of art, architecture, literature, religious faith, philosophy, social organization, and activities of daily life were becoming outdates in the new economic, social and political environment of an emerging fully industrialized world. Modernism explicitly rejected the ideology of realism.

Modernism was inspired by a need to escape from past excessive decoration, a style of the early 20th century that embraced machine technology and favoured geometric forms and smooth uncluttered surfaces. They theory of modern design was deliberately simple as a response to the growing complexity of the world.
Modernist objects look very different to those that came immediately before them: they have no ornament and no overt reference to historical style and they tend to emphasize materials and processes of constructing. The modern period was labelled functionalism, minimalism and even brutalism. The whole style was very geometric in shape and inspiration.

Characteristics of the Modernism Design:

- Primary coloured accessories/decor against neutral coloured walls.

- Aim to create a spacious atmosphere - white was primarily used to give this effect

- Geometrical patterns and shapes were explored and were a common feature within interiors

"A house is a machine for living in"

Le Corbusier

1927 E 1027 Eileen Gray
Atelier Eileen Gray/Galerie Jean Desert, Paris
Height: 61-100cm, Diameter: 50cm
Varnished tubular steel, acrylic glass
A replica can be purchase here with tempered glass and chromed steel.

http://www.design-museum.de/en/collection/100-masterpieces/detailseiten/e-1027-eileen-gray.html


Eileen Gray (1878-1976) was an Irish furniture designer and architect. She was a huge influence upon the Modernist movement and some aspects of the Art Deco movement. She is regarded as "the champion of a singularly free method of expression (August 1917 British Vogue). Gray was designing at a time most leading designers were male and part of one movement or another (eg Congres Internationaux d'Architecture Moderne), Gray preferred to remain an independent designer. As a woman she was denied access to the suportive networks from which her male contemporaries benefited.

She had a very distinctive style, developing an opulent and luxuriant take on geometric forms and industrially produced material used by the International style designers (Le Corbusier etc.)

http://designmuseum.org/design/eileen-gray

Bibendum Eileen Gray 1929

A replica can be found here.

This one of a kind chair is captivatingly harmonious despite its size and unites a majestic impressiveness with charm. It is truly like no other armchair and looks fantastic in an open space.

https://suite.io/christopher-wilson/1c2n2sx