LONDON.- PAD London, the internationally acclaimed fair for art and design, returns to Berkeley Square for its 12th edition running from 1–7 October 2018. With the recent launch of PAD Genève, PAD reinforces its position as Europe’s leading cross-collecting fair group.
This year’s London edition introduces a magnificent showcase of works staged by 68 leading galleries across art, design, decorative arts, tribal art, antiquities and collectible jewellery.
Making their debut at PAD London, ten new international galleries join the fair’s roster this October. In the fields of design and decorative arts, Italian designer Achille Salvagni presents an elegant display inspired by Marie-Laure de Noailles’ signature eclecticism, mixing cultures and genres. Using a subtle palette of earth tones, the presentation combines some of Salvagni’s most iconic furniture and lighting pieces with extraordinary works by recently rediscovered Italian abstractionist Bice Lazzari. Founded by archaeologist Veta Stefanidou Tsoukala thirty years ago in Athens, VST brings a refined selection of art and design wonders evocative of the classical forms of Greek antiquity. Monaco’s renowned Art Nouveau and Art Deco expert Robert Zehil stages an important turn-of-century fireplace and triptych mirror by French architect Hector Guimard and a pair of Epée de Blé wall-lights by René Lalique. Parisian ceramicist Karen Swami features her poetic minimal vases inspired by traditional Japanese stoneware, championed by influential interior designers such as Christian Liaigre and Linda Pinto. Joining PAD’s panorama of 20th century art is Hélène Bailly, exhibiting masterpieces from impressionism to modern art.
Collectible jewellery, from eye-catching wearable art to vintage and crafted contemporary jewellery, is now gaining huge momentum at international art fairs, a genre supported by PAD since its inception in 2007. For this edition the fair will broaden its offering with four new specialist galleries. French designer Lorenz Bäumer, former Artistic Director for high jewellery at Louis Vuitton and creator of emblematic collections for Chanel, exhibits whimsical architectural pieces that marry his education as an engineer and his passion for poetry, nature and colour. Lebanese designer Walid Akkad offers minimal yet opulent jewels reflecting his quest for timeless beauty and impeccable craftsmanship. Glenn Spiro, master British jeweller and former Christie’s expert, unveils his spectacular designs inspired by nature and demonstrating his innovative work with titanium. Recognised as a trendsetting stalwart in the fine jewellery industry, Objet d’Émotion – Valéry Demure draws together an unrivalled selection of vintage gems and contemporary creations by emerging talents such as Melanie Georgacopoulos, Francesca Villa and Polly Wales.
These galleries join PAD’s existing stable of specialists in the field, including New York’s antique jewellery powerhouse Siegelson, showcasing rare blue-chip jewels such as an exceptional suite by Suzanne Belperron from 1951 offered for sale for the first time ever, and an iconic Art Moderne bracelet by Jean Després from 1931. Returning exhibitors Hemmerle, Ma Tei and Suzanne Syz present their coveted contemporary creations while Karry Berreby displays vintage and contemporary collectors’ pieces.
Contemporary design galleries choose PAD London yet again to unveil brand new works by emerging and established designers. Carpenters Workshop Gallery devises an immersive solo exhibition with new works by sculptural furniture designer Ingrid Donat. Gosserez brings to the fore an exciting array of up-and-coming designers pushing the boundaries of materials. These include Brussels-based Damien Gernay who pursues an experimental practice at the intersection of art and design, German designer Valentin Loellmann celebrated for the organic forms of his hand-sculpted furniture pieces, and his Berlinbased sister Amelie Marei Loellmann reputed for her fusions of concrete and weaving. Peter Petrou introduces an enticing cabinet of curiosities with new works by Irish designer Sasha Sykes that ingeniously combine seaweeds with acrylics and resins, as well as a mesmerising Sea Life Installation by Danish glassmaker Steffen Dam.
The PAD London Prize returns with a prestigious panel of judges co-presided over by Yana Peel and Francis Sultana. Three awards will be presented in the following categories: Best Contemporary Design, Best 20th Century Design and Best Stand.
