It’s been one of the busiest and most incredible weeks in the design industry. This whirlwind week means I’ve got tonnes of posts to share with you ranging from castle trips to street parties, but first of all let’s start with the largest art and antiques fair to hit Europe; Masterpiece.
You may remember my trip to Masterpiece London last year, full of gems, jewels and an art collector’s idea of heaven. This year however, managed to top my high expectations and I found myself wondering around the exhibition countless times finding numerous fascinating pieces.
Luckily to make my way to the preview day I spent various hours strolling through the stands, sipping on bubbles and squeezing through the crowds. Opening day, seemed to entice a record footfall, and meant many visitors came back over the course of the one-week exhibition to absorb the show.
The exhibition is impressive and extensive, with so much to see I thought I’d share just some of my favourite elements and filter down the hundreds of shots I took.
Starting with the gem of the show, for the first time at Masterpiece the Lecture Hall was transformed for Vanity Fair, designed by Katharine Pooley Ltd. The space was so dramatic that nobody believed that they were actually standing in a tent.
Walls were treated with panelled joinery applied with a lacquer finish. Inserted in the panels were stunning feathers from Aiveen Daly taking inspiration from Alexander McQueen’s Savage Beauty exhibition. Luxurious leather panels by Rubelli, and wallpaper by Philip Jeffries surrounded the space.
The stage backdrop was a stunning piece of art in the form of a pearlised resin finish with liquid metal running through it, created by Officina Coppola.
Situated on the main stage was a stunning high gloss piano by Steinway costing £80,000!
Sculptured hand blown glass lighting by Lasvit called Crystal Rock illuminated the moody space. The Lecture Hall was used for lectures and various press events for sponsors and of course Vanity Fair.
Situated under the mirror was a sculptured natural beauty being a coffee table formed from agate slices from Tyson London.
At the entrance to the space a detailed mirror created by Patrick Ireland, incorporating a step detail and antiqued mirror.
Silk pleated cushions were created by Susann Eschenfelder.
The architectural photography prints were by Massimo Listri, and were cleverly lit by TM Lighting that made the pieces appear as though they were backlit.
The armchairs, seating and sideboards were designed by Katharine Pooley and produced by Ben Whistler.
One of the most impressive pieces was the high gloss black lacquered sideboard, inset with a gold metallic resin running through the top surface.
Coral and rock crystal accessorised the space, all-available for purchase at Katharine Pooley’s Boutique on Walton Street.
The fair has so many delicious places to dine such as Le Caprice, The Ivy, Scott’s and Mount Street Deli to name a few.
This bright artwork caught my eye by The Fine Art Society; I loved the contemporary Paint Pigment by Rob and Nick Carter.
Based Upon’s incredible fragmented crack coffee table is made using bronze and patina. The coffee table can be used as one piece or split into side tables.
Symbolic & Chase stand had some of the most exquisite jewels I’ve ever dreamed of, but I couldn’t help but be distracted by the Flying Flames suspended from the ceiling. The real candles appear to be floating through the air, but are lit with LED lights and magnets holding the canopy together.
I held back from trying on this striking tiara, fit for any Royal Princess.
A stand that caught my ear was Carpenters Gallery, with the bronze Flyover chandelier that entwined multiple shades creating a twist on a traditional chandelier.
The slick sofa by Vladimir Kagan dates back from 1950, and is a combination of maple, alpaca and upholstered in soft Loro Piana wool.
This impressive commode was designed by Ingrid Donat and has some incredible bronze detail craftsmanship.
A stand that was a key talking point was Adrian Sassoon’s mixture of contemporary and collectors’ pieces. This beautiful vessel was made using hammer-raised and chased fine silver, costing a mere £38,500.
This giant porcelain piece designed by Felicity Aylieff stood proudly at 1.6metres high, and is created using a three-man team to support the weight of this piece.
David Linley always manages to turn heads with their dramatic furniture displays. This year they didn’t disappoint, at the front of their stand was Lightscape a bar cabinet, that serves functionally and as artistic object.
As the cabinet was opened it revealed hidden storage and asymmetrical shapes.
The bar costs £120,000 but with the numerous luxurious finishes and a cocktail glass levitating I fell for its magic and will be keen to convince anyone with that cash to purchase it.
After a week long of events at Masterpiece, I hopped in the golf buggy one last time feeling intrigued for what can possibly be in store for next year.
