1st Edition

Eileen Gray and the Design of Sapphic Modernity Staying In

By Jasmine Rault Copyright 2011
196 Pages
by Routledge

196 Pages
by Routledge

The first book-length feminist analysis of Eileen Gray's work, Eileen Gray and the Design of Sapphic Modernity: Staying In argues that Gray's unusual architecture and design - as well as its history of abuse and neglect - emerged from her involvement with cultures of sapphic modernism. Bringing together a range of theoretical and historical sources, from architecture and design, communication... Read more
Contents: Introduction ; Decadent perversions and healthy bodies in modern architecture; Screening sexuality: Eileen Gray and Romaine Brooks; Accommodating ambiguity: Eileen Gray and Radclyffe Hall; Not communicating with Eileen Gray and Djuna Barnes; Conclusion: staying in; Bibliography; Index.

Biography

Jasmine Rault is Assistant Professor in the Women's Studies Program, Department of Communication Studies and Multimedia at McMaster University, Canada.

'...redresses significant lacunae in the literature of modern architecture, modern literature, and early twentieth century studies of gender and sexual culture, while pushing the literature on Eileen Gray in very fruitful directions.' Tirza True Latimer, California College of the Arts, USA, and author of Women Together/Women Apart: Portraits of Lesbian Paris

'... certainly the most original, if not one of the most important, books on Eileen Gray published so far.' Irish Arts Review

'... [a] detailed and far-reaching study...' Arlis

'This fascinating book on Eileen Gray examines the links between the oeuvre of this Irish-born designer and architect and her ties to the lesbian culture of Paris during the early decades of the twentieth century... Eileen Gray and the Design of Sapphic Modernity is [...] an extraordinary book. It is cogent, well researched, and interesting. And by addressing the issue of Gray’s lesbianism and the notion of a distinctly lesbian aesthetic, Rault has opened up new avenues of inquiry that will undoubtedly enrich future discussions of this remarkable, multifaceted artist.' The Woman’s Art Journal