PAD London 2019: From Contemporary Design to Antiquities

This year PAD London returns for its 13th edition to Berkely Square with a refined combination of contemporary and modern design, glass and ceramics, tribal art and antiquities, modern art and jewellery. Over 68 galleries will surprise the most curious and discerning collectors with works across diverse disciplines and periods. Here, 14 countries will be represented, spanning four continents: Europe, North America, Asia and Africa.

The rich narratives and craftsmanship of South African design make their mark at PAD London for the first time with the arrival of Southern Guild (Cape Town), Africa’s foremost gallery for collectable design. The gallery unveils a new body of work by celebrated ceramicist Andile Dyalvane, created as part of his 2019 artist residency in St. Ives, as well as debuting new designs by Justine Mahoney, Stanislaw Trzebinski, Conrad Hicks, Porky Hefer and Zizipho Poswa. This presentation shines with the Nwa-Mulamula’s chaise, the very first furniture piece created by Rich Mnisi, one of South Africa’s rising fashion talents.

Todd Merrill Studio (New York) was also invited to curate an immersive environment composed of new console tables by British designer Marc Fish, from his nature-inspired Ethereal Series, a dramatic metal textured cabinet by Jean-Luc Le Mounier, and a striking mural of pigmented concrete tiles by young American designer Brecht Wright Gander. Directed by architects Jacobo Valentí and Luis Sendino, Side Gallery (Barcelona) uncovers a refined selection of 20th-century Latin American furniture, celebrating Brazilian design heroes Joaquim Tenreiro and Sergio Rodrigues. These are complemented by the vibrant glass and lamp designs of contemporary talents, Julie Richoz and Sabine Marcelis. Wa Design (Paris) showcases elegant works that reflect their passion for the historic synergy between Japanese and French design, focused on the pure lines that influenced early modern design. Standout pieces include a rare free-form sofa by Taichiro Nakai from 1955 and an important 1930s bamboo chair by Ubunji Kidokoro, a design that later influenced Charlotte Perriand’s conception of the famous Long Chair. Joining the 20th-century design and decorative arts exhibitors, Portuondo Paris (Paris, Madrid) brings a dramatic pair of brutalist brass lamps by Henri Fernandez and exquisite 1980s cabinet by Piero Fornasetti, while post-war French ceramics is introduced with the arrival of renowned specialist Thomas Fritsch-Artrium (Paris).

Four new galleries enrich the impressive roster of jewellery designers showcased at the fair. Taffin (New York), known for its distinct designs and use of unusual materials, debuts a series of new creations composed of steel, oxidised silver, carved jade and characteristically vibrant ceramics. Joining the fair from Hong Kong, Taiwanese-born high jewellery artist Anna Hu Haute Joaillerie (Paris, Hong Kong, Taipei, New York) exhibits imaginative creations with shimmering colours and precious details. Fabio Salini (London, Rome) displays a new set of his signature illusionary jewels. Using highly polished gold and titanium, he creates mirrored surfaces that reflect vibrant stone and suggest voluminous shapes. Boghossian (Geneva, Gstaad, London, Hong Kong), the prestigious sixth-generation family of jewellers, conceives an extraordinary journey through their east-meets-west inspired high jewellery collection, made of precious gemstones with breath-taking colours. Luxury watches are making a first entry into the fair with The Beautiful Watch (Paris, London, Monaco) showcasing a selection of remarkable vintage luxury watches.

There are also a couple of notable premieres this edition of PAD London. Carpenters Workshop Gallery (London, Paris, New York, San Francisco) premieres a monumental new chandelier by Spanish designer Nacho Carbonell, set in dialogue with a selection of debut pieces including Rick Owens’ striking Double Bubble sofa. Priveekollektie Contemporary Art | Design (Heusden, The Netherlands) unveils new sculptural lamps in alabaster stone by Amarist Studio. Aptly titled Bomb Love, the designs highlight the studio’s provocative focus on social and political themes. Galerie Bsl (Paris) introduces new tables from Chinese-French duo Studio MVW’s Jinye series, made of Patagonian quartzite, as well as elaborate lighting by Pia Maria Raeder from her Sea Anemones series, composed of bronze and natural beech rods. Gallery Fumi (London) places the spotlight on Italian designer and master of traditional marquetry Francesco Perini with his new Incon- tro Rug alongside Sam Orlando Miller’s new and most ambitious light sculpture to date, created with jade green mirror and hand-cut bronze. Faithful to his ongoing exploration of traditional Italian craft techniques, Achille Salvagni (London) devotes his stand to Murano glass and premieres a new version of his iconic Spider chandelier, as well as a one-of-a-kind bar cabinet made from ivory parchment encrusted with black Murano glass details.

PAD London takes place from Monday 30th of September to Sunday 6th of October 2019.

Cover image: Armchair by Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner Brazil, 1955 Manufactured by Forma Moveis Caviuna wood, fabric upholstery Bibliografia | Literature: Casa & Jardim, 1956. No 92 77 x 77 x h 72 cm30.3 x 30.3 x h 28.3 in set with sofa cod. REPLS2. Courtesy of Nilufar.