Design Events – More Than Just A Day Out, Part 2 – The Decorative Arts Fair

Thoughts and impressions

In my most recent blog, I discussed why I consider attending designer events to be a crucial part of any good designer’s year.  I also reflected on my thoughts and impressions at some of the stands I had visited at Focus/23.  This time, we’re going to be focussing on another major event on the annual design calendar, the Decorative Fair…

The Decorative Arts Fair

This six-day antiques, textiles, design and arts fair, held at Evolution London (the Marquee) at Battersea earlier this month, is a seasonal must for interior design professionals, collectors and enthusiasts.  It’s been one of the cornerstone events in the arts and design calendar since its launch in 1985 and is widely recognised as a vibrant and captivating hub of inspiration for anything and everything connected to the world of design.  Still a family-run event, It is one of the ‘must-visit’ events of the year and has a reputation for being popular amongst celebrities.

Some of the companies whose stands I visited were:

Catharine Miller Gallery:  A family-run gallery in Chelsea specialising in a variety of art from all over Europe and South America.  I was especially taken with the work of Oliver Gaiger, whose paintings depict the patterns and forms seen in the Welsh hills and valleys. His flat, graphic images are non-representational and expressive.

Sam Kohn Fine Living:  Sam Kohn, whose gallery is based in Fulham, was delightfully engaging when discussing his collection of American tailors’ fabric samples for ties and suit jacket linings, which he had displayed beautifully in frames.  These would be perfectly lovely as decorative textural wall-ware.

Gallery Kiy:  Based in Uxbridge, I loved their amazing collection of Victor Passmore prints.  He is one of my favourite mid-century artists, and I have a personal connection here too, as he tutored my mother at the Central School of Art and Design in London, where she studied interior design in the 1950s.

ODE Interiors:  Founder Beatrice Ancillon grew up in Paris, where she studied photography before moving to London, where she worked in fashion and auction houses.  Now based in St Leonard’s in East Sussex, she specialises in 20th-century furniture, arts and design.  She is also known for showcasing the abstract art of Ptolemy Mann, rich in colour and texture.  ODE is well worth a look if you are looking for innovative interior inspiration. 

Nikki Page Antiques:  With collections sourced mainly from France, Sweden, Italy and England, Nikki is a good place to start if you are looking for decorative antiques or designs suitable for a soft and pretty interior.  Her collections include furniture, mirrors, textiles, garden ornaments and architectural items.

These were some of the designer’s whose work made the biggest impression upon me at the Decorative Arts Fair.  Next time out, we’ll continue to explore my impressions of some of the inspirational people I met at this year’s best design events in London, when we focus on the time I spent at Decorex…

Read about my experiences at the Focus/23, at the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour here and Decorex at Olympia here

I love providing interior design direction for family homes, considering colour, furnishings,  flooring and lighting, along with family living, with an element of indulgence, a little bit of drama and plenty of personality.

If you would like a hand creating your dream home or want a second opinion, give me a call,  07773 372 158, or send me an email via nicky@nickypercival.co.uk 

I look forward to hearing from you.

Nicky