Taking place for its 13^th edition, PAD London returns to Berkeley Square to present artistic excellence. Seen as a leading fair for 20^th century art, including contemporary and modern, ceramics, jewellery, antiques and tribal art, the fair not only inspires an incredibly special and rare spirit of collecting, but also ‘epitomizes how modern art, photography, design, decorative and tribal arts interact to reveal astonishing combinations and create the most individual and staggering interiors.’ A place to discover, acquire and view pieces that carry a distinct history with them and are of museum quality, the boutique-like setting further inspires collectors, art consultants, interior experts and the public alike during a noteworthy week in London’s art scene. Truly a one-of-a-kind event, the fair continues to be ‘an unmissable fixture in the international art and design calendar,’ which cultivates eclecticism, passion and authenticity in one square.

It’s safe to say this year’s event was as spectacular as ever; featuring 68 international galleries that span 14 countries and four continents and featuring a total of 11 first-time exhibitors who will only enrichen the fair’s offering.

PAD’s history is just as impressive as the pieces presented inside of the lush tent – it was in 1997 when Patrick Perrin created PAD Paris, which has since become one of the most recognised and anticipated cultural events in France. Inspired by the cabinets de curiosites, the fair ‘brings together international gallery owners as well as young promising dealers, whose area of expertise covers the 18^th, 19^th and 20^th centuries’.

Highlights at this fair’s include Jousse Enterprise, a unique gallery based in Paris that specialises in rare and remarkable furniture pieces, such as the Kangoo chair, a collaboration between Swiss painter, architect and designers Pierre Jeanneret and his cousin Le Corbusier – the pair behind some of the most iconic furniture designs, ‘which were characterised by minimalist and geometric forms fabricated in industrial materials like turbular steel.’

Modern Art continues to be one our favourites at PAD, such as the exhibition from Galerie von Vertes, who deal with various kinds of European art from the 19^th and 20^th centuries which span Impressionism, German Expressionism, Pop Art, Fauvism and Surrealism. During this year’s PAD, the gallery presents surrealist painter Rene Magritte’s rare gouache titled L’Atlantide. Magritte’s works are seen as highly valuable, partly because of the few number of pieces created during his entire lifetime. L’Atlantide references ‘the people who, according to Platon, lived on the mythical island of Atlantis. The bathtub and white veil, elements frequently used in his works, reference his childhood and mother.’

This year’s winners of the prestigious Ruinart PAD London Design Prize are:

Best Stand – Sarah Myerscough Gallery

Best 20^th Century Design – Matthieu Richard

Best Contemporary Design – Sarah Myerscough Gallery

What can only be described as an inspiring, vibrant and incredibly special event, PAD London never disappoints with their carefully curated selection of international galleries, beautiful presentation in the stunning Berkeley Square and overall artistic brilliance. Running from the 1^st until 6^th October, it’s an event you won’t want to miss.

pad-fairs.com 

All images courtesy of PAD London & Reiber PR