THE WOMEN OF MODERNISM

In the Modernist era, when clean lines, geometric forms, and functional design reshaped the world, a group of often-overlooked visionary women defied convention, pioneering innovations that laid the foundations of modern design, says

- Alice Roberton

In the gleaming age of Modernism, there stood a group of women whose contributions were groundbreaking. Names such as Charlotte Perriand, Marianne Brandt, Eileen Gray, Betty Joel and Lilly Reich may not always have dominated the headlines, but their innovations helped to build the foundation of what we recognise as modern design today. Modernism would be short-lived from 1900 to 1930- during which time each of these women carved a distinct path. Their stories intertwine, reflecting a shared defiance against the norms, and a vision for a streamlined, functional future. They were, without doubt, visionaries, who saw not just the potential of materials and form but also the evolving needs of society.

If these women were of such importance, then why were they overlooked? The most likely answer is - simply - because they were women. 'The 1920s and 30s were periods when women were seen as collaborators rather than leaders, no matter how integral their contributions were,' explains Lucy Ryder Richardson, co-founder of Modern Shows and author of the 2016 book, 100 Midcentury Chairs: and their stories, which mentions the likes of Charlotte Perriand. Despite what Lucy tells us, these women expertly claimed their place in a man's world.

Early in her career, when Charlotte Perriand approached Le Corbusier for work at his studio in 1927, he dismissed her with the remark, 'We don't embroider cushions here,' implying that her skills as a woman were limited to decorative arts.