Artist: Eileen Gray's Adjustable table: E 1027. (1927)

Eileen Gray, E1027, 1927, image source: http://www.eileengray.co.uk/products/e1027/

Materials: powder-coated tubular steel in black or chrome-plated. Tabletop glass in clear crystal,

grey smoked glass, or black lacquered metal.

Dimensions: Ø51

Height: 61-101 cm

Manufactured By: Classicon

Price: £536.00 at Aram Designs Ltd. - who hold the Worldwide licence for Eileen Gray's designs.

E 1027 is a multifunctional table, who's height adjustability allows it to be a over-the-knee table, sidetable, bedside table or occasional table. [1] The multi functionality of the object not only adheres to the minimalist style; as it inherently limits the amount of tables required to suit different needs, but also as a side-effect suits individual needs/wants. E1027 was specifcally created for Gray to use at her house in Roquebrune Cap Martin. [2] Therefore, E1027 was made out of a specific need or problem but is still functionally applicable for a general wider audience.

In the 1920s Gray experimented with various versions of the design of the Adjustable Table E 1027;trialing a black metal top and a matte black lacquer for the frame. [3] Gray enjoyed the matte black lacquer and the way it emphasised the lines and form of the table. [4] Together, with Zeev Aram of Aram Designs, Eileen Gray developed E 1027 chrome-plated for production in the 1970s - with the intention to introduce the black lacquer frame at a later date. [5] This version went into production and up for sale in 2015.

In E 1027 there is a balance between functionality and aesthetics; functional at multiple heights with a minimal lines and a monotone colour palette. There is a cleanliness to the table yet it's not sterile, there is a nod to minimal nature of medical objects and their focus on functionality, but the use glass diverts the table from the antiseptic or artificial nature of medical or hospital and makes it a sophisticated furnishing of a domestic minimalist interior design.

Technical drawings of Adjustable Table E1027, Eileen Gray. image source:https://www.smow.com/en/designers/eileen-gray/adjustable-table-e-1027.html

E 1027 (the table) is named after the summer house of the same name but also known as Maison en Bord de Mer in Roquebrune, Cap Martin which Gray built for herself and her collaborator, Jean Badovici. [3] The name E-1027 is then coded; E for Eileen, 10 for (J)ane - the 10th letter of the alphabet, 2 for (B)adovici, and 7 for (G)ray. [4]

[1] & [2] - Eileen Gray.co.uk, "Eileen Gray E1027," http://www.eileengray.co.uk/products/e1027/

[3] - [5] - Matisse, "Adjustable Table", https://www.matisse.co.nz/brands/ClassiCon1/adjustable-table

[6] & [7] - Aram, "Eileen Gray E1027 Side Table, "https://www.aram.co.uk/e1027-adjustable-table.html