PAD London is here this October, after two years of online-only activity. PAD London returned to the British capital for a week-long showcase of exceptional design, with still two more days to go. Celebrating craftmanship and innovation, the fair’s 14th edition is once again delighting art and design lovers with a world-class selection of works spanning the 20th Century all the way to contemporary design.
Faithful to the distinctive flair and originality that forged PAD London’s reputation over the years, this highly anticipated edition is premiering outstanding works by emerging and iconic talents, while also shedding light on rare, age-old techniques, new sustainable crafts and innovative materials that inform design today.
“It is a joy to be back in London. This new edition of PAD captures all the elements that constitute the fair’s DNA: a curated gathering of the world’s most visionary gallerists and creators, driven by a common goal to champion exceptional work, new talent, innovation and craftsmanship; a desire to inspire the most spectacular interiors by sparking a conversation between past and present and most of all, a commitment to break down barriers between the disciplines of art, design and jewellery in order to foster creativity.” – Patrick Ferrin, Founder and CEO of PAD fairs
Young Design Talents
Providing a platform for young talents, PAD LOndon foregrounds new works by emerging artists from around the world, including Chinese innovative material designer Jie Wu (Gallery FUMI) whose artworks and furniture are made by casting antique rosewood in resin of varying colours; Léa Mestres (Galerie Scène Ouverte) whose pop designs with soft and enveloping forms and radiant colors have quickly gained a strong following.
Sustainable Design
Many designers and artists in the fair focus on innovative sustainable techniques and responsibly sourced materials. These include two Mexican designers who are committed to preserving their country’s legacy of artisanal craftsmanship: Industrial designer Fernando Laposse (Sarah Myerscough Gallery) who works with indigenous communities to create striking pieces of marquetry made from the colorful leaves of Mexican maize and Juan José Nemer and Mauricio Alvarez from the design duo ad hoc (Ammann // Gallery) who create objects and furniture made in collaboration with local artisans, using high-quality materials such as ixtle (a natural fibre from agave). An intimate relationship to the land and its resources also shapes the approaches of many designers in this year’s selection, as demonstrated by British artist Nic Webb. Non-recyclable materials are at the core of many innovative designs to go on view: a new coffee-table in reclaimed foam by Eindhoven-based Singaporean designer Zavier Wong.
Craftsmanship: Embracing Heritage and Innovation
Year after year, PAD has introduced maestros and young artisans who cultivate rare, centuryold techniques, invent new crafts and experiment with unconventional materials. This year, ceramics and glass artists occupy a prime position. Textile art and works in paper will also go on view, with a new oak cabinet featuring woven fabric made of Japanese paper.
Sparking a Dialogue Between Past and Present
Since its inception in 2007, PAD’s ambition has always been to provide inspiration for the most distinctive interiors by sparking a dialogue between art and design, disciplines and periods, past and present. This year’s edition is no exception. On the booth of Milan gallery Nilufar, visitors will be able to discover the retro-futuristic creations of Beirut-based design studio David/Nicolas, the joyful metal furniture of Belgian contemporary designer Xavier Lust and highly sought-after examples of 1960s Brazilian design.
Interior Decorators and Designers
A roster of world-class interior decorators and designers will make their first appearance at the fair. Parisian star architect and interior designer Charles Zana will premiere his new furniture line, Charles Zana Mobilier, in a carefully curated booth marrying sensual shapes, warm tones, irresistible fabrics and noble materials.
Hope to see you at PAD London this weekend!
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