I’VE just returned from a whistlestop tour of Chicago. The main purpose of my trip was to collect a iBAM award which I was indeed very honoured to receive.

The pinch-faced war regarding the copying of mid-century design by modern manufacturers in continental Europe and the Far East rages on — a lucrative trade that apart from statutory moves in the US and UK, remains largely unchallenged.

IT WAS a €40 conference table in white, but something in the elegance of the executive grey trim, said quality.

The achievement of an unqualified architect, Charles Eames (1907-1978) and his remarkable wife Ray (1912-1988) — the Eames’ collection holds a unique place in the history of art and design.

She was acclaimed as one of the world’s greatest designers, so why was Eileen Gray ignored by Ireland for so long, asks Manchán Magan