Summer in the City

Now that summer's really here we’re heading outdoors... London's art galleries and museum spaces such as Somerset House, The Royal Academy and Tate are taking advantage of the summer months and providing outdoor activities including theatre, film screenings, food vans and urban beaches.

Lombok

Lombok

For those lazy days and evenings when you just want to relax at home we had a look at a few ideas for transforming our personal outdoor space into a cool and calming urban retreat. We love Lombock’s Sambala Collection... perfect for outdoors but just as beautiful inside if you want to create a garden atmosphere or use in a conservatory. The range is part of the Trees4Trees scheme - with every item purchased from the Sambala collection, a contribution will be made towards planting new trees in Indonesia. Each piece is handcrafted from reclaimed Indonesian teak which is then distressed by hand, enhancing the natural characteristics of the wood. 

Lombok - Sambala Collection

Lombok - Sambala Collection

With London’s microclimate, tropical plants can thrive, and just a few grouped together, either in borders or containers around a carefully curated seating or dining area can create the illusion of a tropical retreat. Urban Tropics based in London’s Highgate, show us how to transform even the smallest patio or balcony into a green haven, including advice on bursts of tropical flowers and plants which can thrive in the city.

Urban Tropics

Urban Tropics

We were delighted to discover East London Parasol Company - each of their parasols is traditionally handcrafted. The company maintains an ethos of producing ethical artisanal parasols and textiles. Many of the processes can't be mechanised, and if they were, the beauty and personality of the fabrics would be lost. 

Their textiles and cushions range can transform the most English garden into a tropical retreat.

Opium in Chelsea’s Worlds End is a treasure trove of Indian artifacts including antiques, furniture, mirrors and screens alongside contemporary crafts from India including these hand-made bamboo screens which could be used to create a shaded and secluded area, either on a balcony, patio or greenhouse.

Opium

Opium

Use an antique mirror to reflect your greenery and add a sense of space and vista to an area of your garden, or place a carved screen against a wall for an instant transformation.

Vintage throws on a chair or sofa, and the addition of candles and small artifacts completes the effect.

Here are some other ideas to complete the look... 

Even if you don’t have an outdoor space you can still create a cool green oasis indoors. The benefits of indoor greenery go further than the purely aesthetic. Plants are known to provide cleaner air by removing pollutants and can act as a mood enhancer. Patch will source and hand-deliver indoor plants suited to your environment and provide handy tips for easy plant maintenance.

For more garden inspo take a look at our previous Frida Kahlo blog. 

Urban Tropics

Urban Tropics

Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2018

"It's a celebration of making stuff!" Grayson Perry RA.

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The Royal Academy 250th Summer Exhibition is in full swing until August 19th. As the largest open submission exhibition in the world unknown, emerging and lesser known artists have the opportunity of seeing their work displayed among the work of the famous.

© Royal Academy of Arts

© Royal Academy of Arts

The summer show has run continuously for 250 years and this year proves to be one of the most colourful shows so far... as we would expect having been coordinated by Grayson Perry RA.

© Royal Academy of Arts

© Royal Academy of Arts

Looking around  at the eclectic selection of painting, sculpture, film and prints which are highly representative of what is happening in the contemporary art world, I wonder what early critics would have made of today’s selection! 

Joana Vasconcelos - ROYAL VALKYRIE - on display in the Wohl Central Hall

Joana Vasconcelos - ROYAL VALKYRIE - on display in the Wohl Central Hall

It is hard to believe that in the late 1800’s the then rebellious young Pre-Raphaelite painters were vilified by the press and public. Even the great writer Charles Dickens, railed against their "wasted talent"! When Millais’ painting of Ophelia was displayed in the Summer Exhibition of 1852 critics slated it, now of course it is one of the gems of Tate Britain’s collection. The two buildings of the Royal Academy were recently united with a new corridor where Millais' paint palette is on display. Clearly, he was eventually forgiven!

The artworks spill over into a greater area than in past years, and as this is a celebratory year there are plenty of other activities, talks and workshops taking place. Don’t miss The Great Spectacle or the Friday Lates when the gallery stays open until 10pm, and enjoy music and a cocktail in the courtyard from the comfort of a deckchair.

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With so much on view it’s hard to make a choice... we’ve made a pick of some of our most coveted from around £400 to £50,000.

THE 250TH RA SUMMER EXHIBITION 2018
AT THE ROYAL ACADEMY NOW UNTIL 19TH AUGUST
READ MORE HERE

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Mallorcan Ikat and Mediterranean Inspiration

'Ikat is an artistic technique that is quite remarkable, exciting and transcendental' - Pablo Picasso, 1957

Mallorcan Ikat has become emblematic of the artisanal heritage of the Island and is its unique version of Central Asian Ikat fabrics. Weaving and ceramic production are of great historical importance in Mallorca, and the skills and individual variation of styles have been handed down through several generations. 

© Teixits Vicens

© Teixits Vicens

Ikat is known on the island as ‘the cloth of tongues’ (llengues) because of the impression of a flame created by some of the patterns. 

© Teixits Vicens

© Teixits Vicens

There are three families of textile producers of Ikat fabrics, each with their own unique style and products. It's possible to take fascinating guided tours and watch the ancient weaving and hand processes they employ. One thing they share in common, as well as following a centuries old tradition, is that they all take inspiration from the mediterranean.

© Teixits Riera

© Teixits Riera

Teixits Riera is a family based artisanal textile workshop founded in 1896. Based in Lloseta, the company is dedicated to a manufacturing process which follows a time-honoured process handed down through generations of their family and nurtures a high regard for preserving the artisanal heritage of Mallorca. Their textiles are inspired by their proximity to the Serra de Tramuntana, the mountain range which cuts across the Island revealing incredible vistas of sea and mountain peaks. These vistas are reflected in the patterns and motifs of their designs. All Teixits Riera fabrics are of natural material... here are some of their colourful designs.

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Teixits Vicens. At a young age and working from the notes left by his textile weaver father, Martí Vicenç went on to dedicate his life to continuing the family traditions, developing his own style of ‘llengües'. He expanded the classic patterns using traditional colours of dark & light blues, greens & yellows, combining new colorways and creating a freer style incorporating multi-colours, plains and stripes while staying true to the hand-made production ethos of his family. Inspired by nature and natural objects he also became a painter. His tradition continues and you can visit the factory in Pollença which also produces ceramics.

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Here is our pick of the range on offer... sadly the adorable dog is not for sale!

Artesania Textil Bujosa founded in 1949 and located in Santa María del Camí just 15km from Palma, is a family-run business managed by a third generation of artisans. Alongside the iconic Ikat ‘telas de lenguas’ they also produce a range of silks, cottons and linens using traditional craft techniques and natural hand-dyed colours in stripes and plains.

While putting together some interior ideas inspired by the Ikat principles we were delighted to discover A Rum Fellow, a London-based design studio dedicated to artisan textiles and a desire for beautifully crafted homewares. Calling on artisans and weaving cooperatives discovered on their worldwide travels, the collection embraces a fine balance between heritage design and a contemporary lifestyle... an ethos which very much reflects the design principles of Devas Designs. Here are some examples from their range.

And here are some further Ikat and mediterranean inspired designs.

To find out more about the Ikat process watch this short video from the Teixits Riera factory.

Omega and Beyond

Omega Workshops and The Bloomsbury Group

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"It is time that the spirit of fun was introduced into furniture and into fabrics." Roger Fry

Charleston interior   © The Charleston Trust

Charleston interior  © The Charleston Trust

Omega Workshops opened in July 1913 - the artists involved were members of The Bloomsbury Group... Vanessa Bell, Roger Fry and Duncan Grant. They were inspired by the work of Arts & Crafts pioneer William Morris, and like Morris, wanted to combine art with design, reject the new mass production and remove the separation between fine art and craft. 

Following in the Arts & Crafts tradition they felt that a well-crafted chair or a beautiful textile design was every bit as important as a fine painting, their work also grew out of a love of nature and a desire for their designs to sit alongside their paintings.

During its short lived existence Omega Workshops produced a range of objects for the home including ceramics, furniture, rugs, glassware, and even clothing - all incorporating bold colours, geometric forms and abstract patterns. Sadly it’s closure was due to what Fry described as ‘public indifference'. It’s hard to believe when today we place so much importance on our home and many of us, interior designers and home-makers alike enjoy the creative challenge of curating a personal environment.

Monk’s House , East Sussex, the home of Virginia Wolfe, sister of Vanessa Bell, decorated by Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant.

Monk’s House, East Sussex, the home of Virginia Wolfe, sister of Vanessa Bell, decorated by Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant.

Omega Workshops radical approach to home interiors and design went on to have a far-reaching effect on decoration as seen in these homewares from Anthropologie.

Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant eventually set up home at Charleston Farmhouse near Lewes in East Sussex... in May a festival takes place in celebration of their ethos and working partnership.

The garden at Charleston   © The Charleston Trust

The garden at Charleston  © The Charleston Trust

Cressida Bell is the granddaughter of Vanessa, and while her work reflects the influence of her famous heritage, she has created her own take and unique style across a range of gorgeous decorative items... from textiles to ceramics and lamps to bespoke cakes! Samples of her beautiful work are shown below - you can also visit her workshop in Hackney.

Madeleine Bradbury is a Brighton-based painter who creates hand-painted lamps, furniture and accessories inspired by the work of Omega Workshops. We have selected a number of items from her range with more than a hint of The Bloomsbury Group.

For a romantic bedroom inspired by the soft pink hues in the guest bedroom at Charleston (below left) we looked to Cox & Cox for their washed linen bedding and soft velvet chair.

We went in further search of some designs which reflect The Bloomsbury Group ethos and decorative styling. Here is a selection from Sandersons Bloomsbury Canvas Prints and Embroideries, complemented by their Bloomsbury Canvas wallpapers.

Farrow & Ball create wallpapers and richly pigmented paint colours which can be matched to any look or style you want to create. For further inspiration in-line with the design ethos of Omega Workshops we chose these colours from their colour range. 

Charleston

Charleston

Affordable Art Fair and Ceramic Art London 2018

Two upcoming fairs to watch out for in London this March are the Affordable Art Fair in Battersea 8th – 11th March and Ceramic Art London at Central Saint Martins 23rd – 25th March.

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The Affordable Art Fair is an opportunity to find contemporary art for your home for all tastes and budgets. Inspiring work in a variety of mediums will be on display ready to buy and take home with you. It should be a fun way to browse, as well as the art  on show, there will also be plenty of creative inspiration with free talks and interactive installations.There are over 100  galleries on show and  there will be expert gallerists on-hand to guide you.

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The Craft Potters Association will again present Ceramic Art London hosted by Central Saint Martins. Over ninety of the world's most talented ceramic artists will show and sell their work and for the first time students of CSM will host a ceramic studio where they will make new work in front of the live audience so we can see just how it’s done! This will be a truly immersive experience as visitors will also be allowed to comment on the direction the pieces take as they are made. Here is our own preview of some of the very covetable items you can expect to find.

Carina Haslam Art Stand E5. We loved Alison McWhirter’s studies of flowers, she often mixes paint directly onto the canvas, which adds to their sense of vibrancy and spontaneity.

Edgar Modern Gallery Stand H10. We have selected a number of artists represented by the gallery which we found particularly appealing.

Henrietta Dubrey describes her work as abstract, gestural, and autobiographical... and can’t wait to see them at the Fair

Jessica Cooper RWA. Jessica's work relies on economy of detail - objects and shapes are represented in their essential outline. We love their immediacy and sense of vigour.

Mhairi McGregor RSW uses a limited palette of colours, layering the paint to create these inspiring landscapes.

Grandy Art Stand 5, will be showing a collection of new work by their portfolio of emerging British artists. Here are some which caught our eye.

VJ Keegan has earned a reputation for her fluid painterly style evident in her beautiful still life paintings.

Stephen Palmer paints directly from the local landscape, we loved these French and English scenes. 

As well as some very beautiful ceramics on show and to buy, there will be a programme of ‘Claytalks’ starting on the opening day with contemporary artist and Turner Prize winner Grayson Perry’s talk, ‘My Cup of Tea’.

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Talking of 'My Cup of Tea'... Sue Pryke creates affordable, functional ceramics using studio slipcasting inspired by the everyday intuitive decision-making we all make on a daily basis when choosing what cup to take from the cupboard for a cup of tea.

Hyu Jin Jo creates a basic shape and then adds intricate textures to the thrown piece. This gives the pieces individuality while incorporating a sense of Korean traditional craft skills. 

Sasha Wardell makes individual bespoke vases, bowls, lighting and tea ware that combine her beautiful craft-making skills.

Rhian Malin's elegant hand-painted porcelain vessels with cobalt-blue decoration are inspired by Willow Pattern. 

The Affordable Art Fair in Battersea Park is open from 8th until 11th March.

Ceramic Art London at Central Saint Martins is open from 23rd until 25th March.

Visit their websites to find out more and to book tickets.

The New Kettle's Yard

'A living place where works of art could be enjoyed... where young people could be at home unhampered by the greater austerity of the museum or public art gallery.' Jim Ede.

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Kettle’s Yard house and gallery in Cambridge has just reopened after a two year make-over and extension to its site, it now includes a café and gift shop. However, the original building remains the same and the eclectic collection of its founder Jim Ede is still displayed exactly as before.

Kettle's Yard

Kettle's Yard

What makes Kettle's Yard so unique and magical, setting it apart from any other gallery space, is that the modest row of interconnecting houses remain set up as a home. The style is simple and unpretentious, just as when Ede lived there, with sofas, tables, chairs and bookshelves and his collection is displayed without curators notes or labels.

Kettle's Yard

Kettle's Yard

Originally, the now iconic Kettle's Yard, was a row of small dilapidated workman’s cottages which Jim Ede, a former Tate curator, acquired and converted into a home for himself and his art teacher wife Helen in 1956.

Ede was an avid collector of modernist British and European ceramics and artworks and amassed a collection which includes paintings by Ben and Winifred Nicholson, Alfred Wallis, Christopher Wood, David Jones and Joan Miro, as well as sculptures by Henri Gaudier-Brzeska, Constantin Brancusi, Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth.

Jim Ede would display a simple swirl or dish of pebbles with as much respect as he displayed a precious piece of pottery, displaying art and non-art pieces alongside each other.

Kettle's Yard 

Kettle's Yard 

Later he donated the entire collection and the house to Cambridge University, at which time its reputation as a place to visit with reverence grew. His style was based on simplicity and he aspired to create for each room "an atmosphere of quiet and simple charm". The house retains that charm alongside the history it carries within the carefully curated objects. 

We love the effortless style of the home Jim Ede created and the skill of the curators eye which he transferred from his time at the Tate gallery to his own home. We can all use our creativity to curate personal collections or memorabilia and, as Ede has shown in his shell and pebble collections, it’s often how we choose to show those items that is as important as the items themselves. Curating your own collection and changing things around regularly not only brings out our creativity but can make us see things afresh – we may not all own a Lucie Rie dish or a Miro painting but here are a few key ideas to get things started!

For a contemporary take on Jim Ede’s rocking chair and upholstered furniture, try Arlo & Jacob...

We really love the way the paintings and prints are grouped together, sometimes in quite unexpected places, and framed in simple wooden frames allowing the pictures to stand out and also unifying them. Try framing family photographs and prints in matching frames and creating your own gallery to add interest to a stairway or hall for example.

For its clean lines and simplicity, the Galvin Brothers handcrafted furniture is traditionally built but with a contemporary twist.

Have fun curating your own items, and if you want to collect on a shoestring try Habitat for very affordable studio-style pottery or for the real thing go to Maak who will be holding a contemporary ceramics auction in May (online preview from 27 April).

Kettle's Yard, Castle Street, Cambridge

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

Kettle's Yard

Kettle's Yard

London Art Fair 2018

The 2018 London Art Fair gives access to an incredible collection of modern and contemporary art and a unique insight into the international art market. The fair has been running for over 30 years and has become a recognised destination for museum quality work.

The Fair runs from 17 January 2018 and we took a sneak peek at what's in store from some of our leading art dealers and collectors.

ALAN WHEATLEY ART | STAND 32

The Alan Wheatley Gallery is just a stone’s throw from the Royal Academy and situated in the heart of St. James’s at 22 Mason’s Yard, SW1. The gallery offers a diverse collection of British and International Modern paintings and sculpture from the latter half of the Twentieth Century with a particular emphasis on Post-War British Art.

L-R: Bridget Riley, Ivon Hitchens, Patrick Heron

BERNARD CHAUCHET CONTEMPORARY ART | STAND G35

Bernard Chauchet, based in London’s Hollywood Road, specialises in contemporary paintings and sculptures with artists from across Europe and the USA. As well as presenting established 20th and 21st century painters, Chauchet also promotes the work of a younger up-and-coming generation of artists.

The work of Gioacchino Pontrelli was of particular interest to us as he often draws on images taken from interior design magazines, which he re-interprets onto canvas.

BERWALD LONDON | STAND 26B

John Berwald has been dealing in Chinese Ceramics for over thirty years from his New York and London galleries. He also has a very select stock of Modern British paintings and sculptures, and the juxtaposition of these two very different cultures and eras is something we found both fascinating and very much in line with our own ethos of mixing antique and contemporary.

We were particularly impressed to see the vibrant work of John Hoyland juxtaposed with antiques and traditional furnishings.

JOANNA BRYANT & JULIAN PAGE | STAND P18B

Joanna Bryant & Julian Page individually support and represent carefully selected contemporary artists working in London. Since 2015, they have been frequently working in a collaborative partnership by presenting their artists’ work alongside more established artists. By representing emerging artists alongside such famous names as Tracey Emin and Peter Blake, they are also able to offer a number of highly affordable original artworks many of which fall within £1,000-£5,000 price range. Here are some which particularly appealed to us and fall within this lower price bracket.

Ruth Solomons is a British artist, who uses materials which to many would appear to be simply discarded items from her studio. She transforms these pieces by creating collages incorporating paint-splattered pieces of wood and fragments of old paintings adding her unique painterly gestures, creating pieces which have their own history.

Another artist who utilises found objects is Spanish artist Silvia Lerin, who lives and works in London. Her work stems from an interest in the relationships between shapes, volumes, colours and textures and their resulting presence. Inspiration may come from found objects and remnants of objects that carry stories.

The abstract works of Chris Sims, draw inspiration from the English landscape. Using inks, paints, charcoal and other mediums, he utilises a dynamic layering technique resulting in highly emotive and evocative work.

CRANE KALMAN GALLERY | STAND 25

The Gallery in London’s Brompton Road was originally established in 1949 by Andras Kalman who felt strongly that art should intimately move and nourish the viewer. As interior designers we value the importance of key artwork to provide a focal point and personalise an interior.

Sally and Andrew, Kalman's children, continue to run the gallery along with Robin Light who joined the business in 1986.

Sonia Delaunay

Winifred Nicholson

Jacqueline Marval

Kate Corbett-Winder

The 2018 London Art Fair runs from 17-21 January at Islington's Business Design Centre.

Visit the website to find out more and to book tickets.

 

 

Festive Interiors for Christmas

It’s the festive season and the perfect excuse to get creative with decorations and table settings. Our own signature style at this time of year usually focuses on green white and silver or gold. By having a fresh, neutral theme as a contrast to the colourful food and drinks on offer, it can go some way to creating an air of sophistication even if the mood gets distinctly party!

Amara

MAY ALL YOUR CHRISTMASES BE BRIGHT…

By contrast we have also been inspired by the modern trend for mixing up colours, and Jasper Conran’s Christmas theme particularly caught our attention.

Brights like these work in both a traditional home and also a modern, pared-down interior, as long as they are used against neutrals or white as a backdrop and are not jostling with other colours and patterns.

You can get the look with these party decorations from the Conran Shop.

Flowers are an absolute must for Christmas and we love these vibrant arrangements by Rebel Rebel. They have also put together some gorgeous wreaths for the front door, to make just the right impression when guests arrive, and which we think look just as lovely inside or out.

...LIGHT...

Add some colour but without going overboard with vivid hues by using a pastel theme - stay with a single colour, or mix pastel shades and add some sparkle like this Heal's table setting.

Heal's

And don’t forget the flowers. Take a look at these gorgeous wreaths and table arrangements from The Real Flower Company.

...NORDIC...

A Nordic-style colour scheme can be distinctly elegant. Decorate your table with deep red flowers, greenery and foraged pine cones - add some glamour with gold cutlery, scented candles and fairy lights.

...OR WHITE

We really are spoilt for choice, and it will be a hard decision this year but you can never get it wrong with a White Christmas! If you decide to go with an all-white theme add colour with greenery, and touches of silver in candles, cutlery and tableware. We especially love these mini pots of flowers with guest tags for each place setting.

With so many seasonal ideas around, why not try your hand at creating your own table decorations, experiment and have fun. Here is a short video showing how to make a simple centrepiece for your Christmas table:

Amara is one of our go-to Christmas shops - from tree decorations, cushions and wreaths to gift ideas, designer tableware and ornaments, with everything you need to prepare for the festivities. 

Amara

Amara

Impressionists in London

French Artists in Exile (1870-1904) - Tate Britain

Tate Britain’s current EY Exhibition tells the story of the artists who fled to Britain in the 1870’s to escape the Franco-Prussian War and insurrection in Paris. 

When we think of Impressionism, many of us immediately imagine the muted colours of Monet’s Waterlilly paintings, but this exhibition includes not just familiar tones, but also figurative works of London scenes such as James Tissot’s London Visitors (1873) and Monet’s Meditation, Mrs Monet Sitting on a Sofa (1870-1871). 

In many ways their inclusion provides a wider view and a fascinating insight into the connections these artists made with British social life.

A room is dedicated to Claude Monet’s studies of the Thames and the Houses of Parliament, painted in his iconic style.

Further paintings, including a number by Pissaro, who lived in the Crystal Palace area while in London, inspired us to put together our own moodboard to reflect the familiar muted shades we associate with the Impressionist style.

We took additional inspiration from Dulux paints. Changing a wall colour, adding some colour to an otherwise neutral palette or simply changing the colour of a few accessories can really change the mood of your interior.

These velvet cushions and bedding from west elm are ideal for cosying up the bedroom and their crinkle lush velvet cushions could also provide just the right impression in the living room, giving a quick seasonal makeover for chilly evenings. Monet said: “Colour owes its brightness to force of contrast rather than to its inherent qualities” – and this is why he chose to use orange and blue in several of his paintings. These two hues create a vibrant contrast as illustrated on the Grey Hamilton Sofa by flashes of turqoise and orange cushions.

Or try one of their rugs such as Flame or Verve, in a variety of colourways which also echo the hues and textures of the Impressionist style.

Accessorizing with a personal collection such as vases or ceramics which draw on a single colour spectrum creates a focal point - such as this collection from west elm.

The EY Exhibition Impressionists in London is on now at Tate Britain until 7th May 2018

Find out more here

Fashion and Textile Museum

British Textile Design with Wallace Sewell

The current show, at one of our favourite museums, is a 25 year celebration of the textiles of Harriet Wallace-Jones and Emma Sewell. Graduates of The Royal College of Art, their work can now be found in around 300 stockists in 20 countries, including prestigious art galleries such as Tate in London and MOMA in New York. 

Their work echoes the aesthetic and ideology of the Bauhaus movement. Based between London and Dorset, their designs take inspiration from the textures and colours of both the countryside and cityscapes. Their manufacturing methods embrace traditional techniques such as hand-looming while fusing tradition with modern technology.

With colder weather on the horizon what better way to cosy up than with one of their signature pieces, a waffle blanket or a pinstriped lambs-wool or Shetland throw.

We are feeling especially envious of these lambs-wool block throws which perfectly echo the Bauhaus influence, particularly the designs of the female weavers of the movement, such as Benita Koch-Otte but with Wallace Sewell’s modern take. 

Woven Bauhaus textile by Benita Koch-Otte 1923

Woven Bauhaus textile by Benita Koch-Otte 1923

Wallace Sewell’s collaboration with West Elm, a Brooklyn based company with a strong fairtrade ethos and a commitment to sourcing ethical materials, has produced a very beautiful range of throws, wool dhurries and cushions.

This year Wallace Sewell launched a range of exquisite, hand knotted lambs-wool rugs, inspired by their collection of throws - they work particularly well when incorporated alongside them in an interior.

With Christmas just around the corner, Wallace Sewell have produced a number of items which would make perfect gifts. With scarves, cosmetic bags, coin purses, ties and totes all produced using their iconic textile designs there’s something for every member of the family … Christmas solved! Click here to see more.

Some items have been produced in collaboration with Tate Britain and have a distinctly arty style. The blue tones of this wool scarf are inspired by Whistler’s Nocturne: Blue and Silver Chelsea.

The bright colours of this scarf are inspired by Derain’s The Pool of London, and has been designed by Wallace Sewell specially for Tate Britain’s latest exhibition Impressionists in London.

Wallace Sewell: 25 Years of British Textile Design at the Fashion and Textile Museum is on now until 21st January 2018

Find out more here

Winter Art & Antiques Fair Olympia

The Winter Art & Antiques Fair at Olympia focuses on an eclectic mix ranging from antique to modern, from the ‘traditional to the quirky’.

Winter Art & Antiques Fair

Olympia 2017

At Devas Designs we love mixing the old with the new; contemporary pieces combined with decorative items and furniture which have their own history, to create inspiring, comfortable and stylish interiors. We are regularly asked to source rugs, artworks and paintings as inspiration for an interior project or to create a focus for the clients own treasured collection.

This ethos is at the heart of our interior design and the Fair with its huge array of items from £100 to £1,000,000 should prove a source of inspiration both for interior designers and collectors alike.

With a treasure trove of over 33,000 pieces for sale including art, antiques, furniture, sculpture, jewellery, ceramics, textiles and collectors pieces, all under one roof, we have put together just a small selection from the showcase of over 90 exhibitors.

BOCCARA

As well as specialising in sculpture, Didier Marien of Boccara is a leading expert on modern tapestries, silk rugs and customized rugs.

We particularly love his collection of original tapestries by Sonia Delaunay

BROADBENT GALLERY

With over 20 years in the art business Angus Broadbent stocks and sources an inspirational mix of fine art prints and paintings which fit a variety of interiors from contemporary to traditional. 

BABINGTON FINE ART

Babington Fine Art carries a large stock of water-colours, oils and drawings and with prices starting at £100 and also a good range of artworks for under £500 there is no excuse not to put some art on the wall.

OTTOCENTO

Another art dealer with a broad mix of intriguing works of art including old masters, 19th & 20th century paintings, prints and a fabulous collection of vintage posters.

RICHARD HOPPÉ

Richard Hoppé is a dealer and collector with a fascinating collection of glassware and antique tiles. We have picked a selection of his tiles which would work well mixed with plain tiles to add interest to a contemporary bathroom layout or framed to hang alone.

CALLAGHANS OF SHREWSBURY

Callaghans of Shrewsbury specialise in European 19th & 20th century oils and watercolours alongside sculpture, furniture and ceramics. We particularly liked Purple Hills by Rosa Canto, ceramics by Peter Beard and this Arts & Crafts seat.

 

The Winter Art & Antiques Fair at Olympia runs from 31 October – 5 November 2017.

Find out more here.

 

 

London Design Festival 2017

Having just completed its fifteenth year celebration of design, the London Design Festival’s highly ambitious event puts London squarely on the map as a design capital of the world.

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The festival was spread across a number of major London venues and offered over 450 projects and events, giving Londoners and visitors alike an amazing opportunity to experience innovative and exciting design.

With such a huge selection it was difficult to make a final choice, but we were particularly impressed with the talents of a number of individual companies, many of whom had a strong commitment to sustainability and the environment, alongside traditional, timeless design and production processes.

Here are just a few who caught our attention ...

MALWINA KONOPACKA

Malwina Konopacka's limited edition hand painted ceramic vases often pay homage to her favourite artists such as Henri Rousseau for her 'Jungle' range.

FLOORSTORY

Floorstory make beautiful rugs with an eye on craft and design. Alongside their own range they also work with like minded designers and can be found in their new retail outlet in Shoreditch.

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STOFF STUDIOS

Stoff Studios are a design duo who combine their love of textiles and furniture design. They are based in a Victorian warehouse in London’s Bermondsey. They use traditional methods of production with a very collaborative approach to produce their unique pieces.