Every October, London’s prestigious Berkeley Square transforms into a vibrant hub of creativity, connoisseurship, and design as the PAD London Fair comes to life. Founded in 2007 by Patrick Perrin, a fourth-generation Parisian antique dealer, PAD (Pavilion of Art and Design) has become a must attend event on the global design calendar and for good reason. With its exclusive focus on 20th century and contemporary design, PAD London stands apart as a beacon of artistic innovation and curatorial brilliance in the UK.
A Curated Journey Through Time and Space
PAD London is the sister fair to PAD Paris, which was first launched in 1998 and takes place every April in the Jardin des Tuileries. While PAD Paris offers a similarly grand showcase of design, art, and historical artifacts, PAD London brings its own distinct energy, reflecting the tastes and sensibilities of a city known for its eclecticism and love of the avant-garde. The event’s prestigious Mayfair location, surrounded by galleries and boutiques, sets the perfect stage for this curated affair.
The fair is a week long celebration of design, where collectors, interior designers, and the general public can explore some of the finest examples of modern and historical design pieces. But PAD London is not merely an exhibition, it’s an immersive journey that blends design with art, offering visitors a unique lens through which to view and experience interior spaces. From iconic mid-century modern furnishings to cutting edge contemporary creations, PAD London bridges eras and styles, demonstrating how different design genres can interact to create unexpected yet harmonious interiors. The event epitomises the essence of collecting, showing how eclecticism and artistic passion come together to form striking combinations that tell individual stories through objects.
Noteworthy Galleries: A Global Showcase
The fair’s carefully curated selection of galleries is the heartbeat of the event, representing the best in modern and contemporary design. Among the standout exhibitors this year are:
– Nilufar Gallery (Milan): Known for its eclectic blend of vintage and contemporary design, Nilufar continues to push boundaries with its curated mix of Italian craftsmanship and cutting-edge innovation. From mid-century classics to contemporary pieces, this gallery is a haven for design lovers.
– Bryan O’Sullivan Studio: This London-based studio blurs the lines between architecture and design, creating exquisite furniture and interiors that are deeply rooted in a sense of materiality and form. Their gallery at PAD is always a highlight, offering a rare glimpse into the creative world of bespoke design.
– Modernity (Stockholm): Specialists in Scandinavian design, Modernity offers some of the most coveted pieces from 20th-century Nordic designers. Their collection of furniture, lighting, and glasswork is a testament to the enduring appeal of minimalist Scandinavian aesthetics.
– Pierre Raguideau (Paris): Specializing in Danish and Scandinavian design from the 1950s and 1960s, Pierre Raguideau’s gallery is a haven for collectors of iconic mid-century modern design. With works by designers such as Hans J. Wegner and Finn Juhl, the gallery showcases the golden age of Danish design.
The Legacy of Willy Rizzo
PAD London also provides a platform for collectors and design lovers to appreciate the works of legendary designers from the past. One such figure is Willy Rizzo, a designer and photographer whose work continues to inspire contemporary creators. Known for his sleek, minimalist furniture and elegant use of materials, Rizzo’s legacy lives on in his Parisian studio. Dominique Rizzo, his wife, continues to honour his memory by organising exhibitions that reflect the timelessness and relevance of his designs.
A Meeting Point for the Design World
The atmosphere at PAD is one of sophistication, yet it remains accessible to both seasoned collectors and those new to the world of design. The fair is as much about dialogue and discovery as it is about collecting. The layout of the fair itself encourages interaction and conversation, with exhibitors eager to share the stories behind the pieces on display. PAD London is a space where design aficionados, museum curators, and industry experts can meet, exchange ideas, and take inspiration from one another.
Beyond PAD: Discovering Missy Decor Gallery
For those whose design journey doesn’t end with PAD, a visit to Missy Decor in Primrose Hill, North London is a must. Missy Decor offers an array of pieces that reflect the same principles of connoisseurship and eclecticism found at PAD. Located just a short distance from the fair, Missy Decor is the a destination for those inspired by PAD’s celebration of design to continue their exploration. Step inside and discover our Midcentury Furniture and Art Collection.
PAD London continues to be the premier destination for lovers of art and design. Its thoughtful curation and ability to bridge the gap between the past and the present make it a fair like no other. Whether you are a collector, an interior designer, or simply an enthusiast of beautiful things, PAD London is an unmissable event that promises to inspire and delight.