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
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