Since its conception in 2007, PAD London has evolved beyond how it set out as a space for ‘post-war and contemporary design and decorative arts’. Now, in Mayfair’s Berkeley Square, the showcase has a fruitful selection of collectible 20th century and midcentury design, glass and ceramics, plus a hefty jewellery offering that whets the appetite before Frieze frenzy kicks off in the capital.
Collectors and spectators are invited to experience eleven galleries from South Africa to South West London for the first time this 13th edition, adding to the roster of participation from 68 galleries in total from 14 countries.
Aside from beauty and its allure, the narratives behind works give the fair a unique draw. Turning a sad story around is Gareth Neal’s Block III that will launch with London-based Sarah Myerscough Gallery. In 2017, the original piece was stolen from Neal’s van and after two years of sourcing the ideal wood, he has now resurrected its form. Knotted gnarled lumber comes together through digital and hand craft for an elegent yet sculptural piece – this will join collections by Christopher Kurtz, Eleanor Lakelin and more at the stand.
Block III, Gareth Neal.
Cape Town-based Southern Guild will be plotting new ground at PAD with 18 pieces from a new leather-clad seating pod by Porky Hefer to the results of ceramicist Andile Dyalvane’s 2019 artist residency at Leach Pottery In St Ives. Another newcomer, Luis Sendino and Jacobo Valenti, founders of Barcelona-based Side Gallery will bring organic 20th century works by Brazilian masters Joaquim Tenreiro and Sergio Rodrigues, and will set these in dialogue with contemporary compositions by Julie Richoz and Sabine Marcelis.
Elsewhere, an enchanting new Patagonian quartzite table will launch at Paris-based Galerie BSL’s stand, courtesy of Chinese-French duo Studio MVW. The warm stone in the ‘Jinye’ series (translating to ‘Gold Leaf’ from Chinese) derives from a vulcanian region in Brazil and is technically composed with the brass layers to produce the structure of the table.
Above, work by Herve van Der Straeten. Below, Vases Isla by Julie Richoz, 2019.
Winners of last year’s Best Stand at the PAD Prize, Carpenters Workshop Gallery will arrive with another show stopping performance, that will centre around a chandelier of Nacho Carbonell, giving hints to the blockbuster display currently on view in Venice, Dysfunctional.
On view 30 September - 6 October, PAD London prides in ‘cultivating eclecticism, authenticity and connoisseurship with unparalleled passion and flair.’ Stay tuned for more discoveries this week.
INFORMATION
Pad London, 30 September - 6 October; pad-fairs.com
ADDRESS
Berkeley Square, W1
-
Highlights from the transporting Cruise 2026 showsThe Cruise 2026 season began yesterday with a Chanel show at Lake Como, heralding the start of a series of jet-setting, destination runway shows from fashion’s biggest houses
-
Behind the design of national pavilions in Venice: three studios to knowDesigning the British, Swiss and Mexican national pavilions at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025 are three outstanding studios to know before you go
-
Premium patisserie Naya is Mayfair’s latest sweet spotHeritage meets opulence at Naya bakery in Mayfair, London. With interiors by India Hicks and Anna Goulandris, the patisserie looks good enough to eat
-
Zanele Muholi celebrates South Africa’s Black LGBTI communities in LA and LondonZanele Muholi's portraits and sculptures are currently on show at Southern Guild Los Angeles and the Tate Modern, London
-
Esther Mahlangu’s first retrospective features the iconic BMW 525i Art CarEsther Mahlangu showcases ‘Then I knew I was good at painting’ at the Iziko Museums of South Africa in Cape Town
-
Now Gallery presents the vibrant culture of ‘A Young South Africa’ captured through the lensNow Gallery’s ‘A Young South Africa, Human Stories’ showcases six inspiring photographers for the 2023
-
Edinburgh Art Festival 2023: from bog dancing to binge drinkingWhat to see at Edinburgh Art Festival 2023, championing women and queer artists, whether exploring Scottish bogland on film or casting hedonism in ceramic
-
Last chance to see: Devon Turnbull’s ‘HiFi Listening Room Dream No. 1’ at Lisson Gallery, LondonDevon Turnbull/OJAS’ handmade sound system matches minimalist aesthetics with a profound audiophonic experience – he tells us more
-
Hospital Rooms and Hauser & Wirth unite for a sensorial London exhibition and auctionHospital Rooms and Hauser & Wirth are working together to raise money for arts and mental health charities
-
‘These Americans’: Will Vogt documents the USA’s rich at playWill Vogt’s photo book ‘These Americans’ is a deep dive into a world of privilege and excess, spanning 1969 to 1996
-
Brian Eno extends his ambient realms with these environment-altering sculpturesBrian Eno exhibits his new light box sculptures in London, alongside a unique speaker and iconic works by the late American light artist Dan Flavin
