Guess it’s time for some interior design related inspiration, seeing as your feeds have been clogged with all things mud related as of late. For the third year in a row I made my way to Masterpiece, I’m sure you’ll remember the big fancy arts, antiques and design fair that takes over Chelsea each summer.
There’s something quite thrilling about staring at opulent jewels and antiques knowing that under one roof exciting deals and purchases are taking place. The show brought in over 37,000 people this year and despite the economical fears after Brexitt sales still went through the tented roof.
As London stands as one of the key design hubs in the world visitors fly from all over to check out the high level quality pieces on offer. Of course I headed on down to take in some inspiration rather than go on a shopping spree myself. So here are my show highlights, pull up a sit and get ready to be wowed by some seriously show stopping gems.
I arrived on the preview day, greeted with bubbles and excitement on the shows opening day. I turned the corner to see the first installation made out of Flip Flops and displayed as angel wings. Alfredo and Isabella Aquilizan – Last Flight 2009 was a very cool colourful piece.
David Gill Gallery displayed an eye-catching collection of predominantly furniture pieces – the most striking being sideboards with a mix of materiality that had a three dimensional effect.
A really bold installation of a life-sized vibrant pink flower was presented by Wallace Chan China.
A collection of jewels hidden behind a tinted black glass panel accompanied the huge flower.
One of my all time favourite artists Adrian Sassoon always provides fascinating sculptural vessels that are intricate and simply stunning.
I personally loved this vessel that reminded myself of small cappelletti pasta clustered together.
Costly hammer-raised sterling silver vessels by Denmark based artist Yuki Ferdinandsen.
Powerful use of dramatic black and red artworks presented by Dukto Gallery.
David Linley displayed an Arabian style stand with Moorish metal panelling forming the entry walls to the stand.
Beautiful blue hues formed the carcass of an elaborate jewellery box.
The tallboy in my opinion stole their show stand, with the brilliantly bold colours that formed the front detailing on the doors, the interior of the cabinet continued the pattern and intricacy in a veneer finish.
Riva boat that made you instantly daydream about sailing through the fresh waters with the wind blowing your hair in all manner of directions.
How cool are these guys standing on top of each other from the Dickinson Gallery?
Shapero’s Rare Books.
Mexican casket that dates back to the 17th century, the mixture of fauna and animal silhouettes adds to the intrigue with this stunning piece.
My slight obsession with blue continued when I laid eyes on this Qajar tile –from Iran dating back to the 19th Century, the details and raised sections make this one impressive piece.
A Mohtashemi always offer an exhibit of amazing jewels that makes your eyes sparkle with the sheer magic of their pieces.
A few showstoppers were the Jade and white agate earrings.
Harry Winston’s emerald diamond bracelet $350,000 not inc. VAT! Prince charming if you’re reading feel free to purchase and ship over to me.
Robert Young antiques had an unusual eclectic mix of items, my favourite being the Olympic Swimmer mannequin.
One of the interior design industries most loved supplier Based Upon had an impressive stand that enticed many passers by.
A huge circular cement object lay on the wall; at closer glance the crack down the centre unveiled a metallic specialist finish, which created an exceptional contrast against the rough concrete texture.
The mesmerizing resin finish that had a futuristic feel and glistened in the light.
A desk finished so meticulously it would be the envy of every gentleman’s study.
The Lecture Theatre offered a serene green interior based on the Duchess of Devonshire’s bold use of colours and interest of including nature and insects in her art collection.
Wall panels wrapped in Turnell & Gigon’s velvet, embroidered jewelled butterflies by Susann Eschenfelder.
Fascinating bronze sculptures by Pomodoro arts.
Malachite backdrop reinterpreted by Water Guilders.
Zaha Hadid’s stand presented a monochromatic dinner service in bone china and napkin designed especially for a fund dinner at the V&A.
JGM Art London providing a punch of colour as always in painted form.
Whitford Fine Art – Spectacles and books.
Hemmerle Munich’s stand was probably one of the most photographed stands, standing out with the suspended timber rods that created the exterior walls to the stand, broken up only be niches displaying opulent jewels.
The show offers a mix of all things arts & antiques, one thing I always take away from Masterpiece is the confidence artists have with mixing materiality and scale to create unusual artworks that create such powerful statements.
In design we are always striving to push our creativity to the next level and seeing the big boys doing it hopefully encourages you to experiment with the level of design in your projects/life. Go crazy!
