Lilly Reich

Lilly Reich was a pioneer of modern design and a strong partner of great designers. With her keen sense of materials and interior design, she left her mark on modernism – often in the shadows, but unmistakably influential.

Lilly Reich (1885–1947) was a designer, interior architect and one of the most important female figures at the Bauhaus and in the modern design scene. She worked closely with Mies van der Rohe and was instrumental in designing exhibitions and furniture – including the famous Barcelona Chair. Reich was known for her attention to detail, her understanding of textile and metallic materials and her clear, elegant design language.
In addition to furniture, she has also designed room concepts and exhibitions that redefine the interplay between function and aesthetics. Her work stands for modern design that is not only minimalist, but also sensual and accessible. Like many women of her time, Lilly Reich was not recognised to the extent of her influence for a long time – her contribution was often attributed to her male partner. Today, it is increasingly recognised how much she has influenced modernism with her independent, innovative and clear design profile.