Eileen Gray, now recognized as a pioneer of modern design, created this freestanding cork cupboard with an aluminum outer skin. The cupboard served as a wall between the bedroom and small washing area in her house, known as E. 1027, in the south of France. The aluminum back must have produced some interesting reflective effects in the bedroom. This cupboard represents an innovative use of the metal at a time when it was being embraced by leading Parisian furniture designers.

Eileen Gray Irish, 1878–1976 E.1027 cupboard, 1923–28 aluminum, wood, cork, glass, and metal 66 3/4 x 21 1/4 x 6 3/8 in. (169.5 x 54 x 16.2 cm) Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris