The PAD London Art + Design Fair returned to Berkeley Square for its 16th edition, showcasing a blend of contemporary and 20th-century art, furniture, and jewellery. Known for its refined aesthetic and intimate scale, PAD had cemented its place as a major event in the art calendar. The fair presents a wide-ranging selection of galleries from across the globe, including Thailand, South Korea, India, and more.
Photo courtesy: Vikram Goyal
This year’s participants were from 16 countries, featuring designs from over 25 nations — striking a perfect balance between cutting-edge contemporary creations and exceptional 20th-century pieces, along with a curated selection of fine art and jewellery. Set in the heart of London’s art district, Berkeley Square, added to its prestige, making it a must-attend for collectors, art enthusiasts, and socialites alike. With a mix of familiar faces and new exhibitors, including 12 galleries making their debut, the 2024 edition offered a rich and diverse experience.
Here are some of the galleries that left their mark at this year’s edition:
Nilufar: Blending Mid-Century and Contemporary Design
Founded by Nina Yashar in 1979, Nilufar had long been a powerhouse in the design world. At PAD 2024, the gallery presented a dynamic blend of mid-century and contemporary pieces, offering a cross-cultural perspective that bridged eras and styles. The Vikram Goyal X Nilufar booth, a collaboration with the New Delhi-based designer, showcased monumental metal furniture, while Nilufar’s own booth highlighted key mid-century works, including a Brazilian rosewood Capri table by Jorge Zalsupin and a Gabriella Crespi lamp from the 1970s.
Photo courtesy: Vikram Goyal
Contemporary pieces also shone at Nilufar, with Allegra Hicks’ Metamorphosis table and Shlomo Harush’s Artwork chairs standing out for their bold, sculptural forms. Nilufar’s curated selection emphasised its unique ability to merge the past and present, offering timeless designs that continued to resonate with modern collectors.
Objects With Narratives: The (Im-)Perfectionists Collection
In just two years, Objects With Narratives had become a force to be reckoned with in the world of contemporary sculptural design. Their collection The (Im-)Perfectionists captivated PAD visitors with its bold exploration of imperfection in design. The Aquilon Bar Cabinet by Maison Jonckers stood out, blending bronze craftsmanship with Wabi Sabi-inspired etchings, asymmetrical doors, and rough edges that created a tactile and visually striking experience.
Photo courtesy: Tijs Vervecken
The gallery’s Tatau side tables, one in black oxidised bronze and the other in honey onyx, displayed a harmonious contrast between texture and form. The Crushed Console Belge Noir by Ben Storms further emphasised the gallery’s mastery of sculptural design, with its sharp, geometric onyx top juxtaposed against the crushed, blackened steel base. Objects With Narratives continued to push boundaries, offering a fresh perspective on contemporary design.
Willy Rizzo: A Legacy of Mid-Century Glamour
The mid-century designs of Willy Rizzo, known for their Italian and French glamour, had become synonymous with PAD. Rizzo, a celebrated photographer and designer, left behind a collection of iconic furniture that had been meticulously preserved and curated by his family. This year’s PAD featured Rizzo’s Presidential Desk, a cubist masterpiece in scarlet red lacquer and brushed stainless steel. What appeared simple at first glance revealed unexpected asymmetries and design quirks upon closer inspection, making it a truly unique piece.
Photo courtesy: Willy Rizzo
Rizzo’s timeless designs, from circular revolving coffee tables to elegant games tables, continued to attract a wide range of collectors, including celebrities and tech moguls. His pieces embodied the glamour and sophistication of the 1960s and 70s, ensuring his legacy endured in the world of luxury design.
Portuondo Gallery: A Family Affair
Portuondo Gallery made its presence felt at PAD London with two separate booths. The London-based gallery, run by brothers Hugo and Diego Portuondo, showcased a carefully curated selection of mid-century and contemporary pieces, including a modular brass coffee table by Jean Yves Lanvin and a 1957 geometric abstraction painting by Francisco Farreras.
Photo courtesy: Portuondo Gallery
Meanwhile, Galerie Portuondo, operated by their cousin Horacio in Paris, presented an equally impressive collection, including a totemic sculpture reminiscent of Joan Miró’s playful style. Both galleries demonstrated a keen eye for blending art and design, offering visitors a wide range of works that spanned decades and styles.
Bryan O’Sullivan: Elevating Vintage Design
Renowned for his high-end interior design projects, Bryan O’Sullivan had also been making waves with his collection of vintage-inspired contemporary design pieces. At PAD, their booth featured standout works like the Hanami and Hanami Mini light fittings, which blended French delicacy with Italian glamour. These pieces, crafted from brass and blown glass, exuded a biophilic sensibility that felt organic yet sophisticated.
Photo courtesy: James McDonald
O’Sullivan’s Baloo armchair was another highlight, striking the perfect balance between comfort and artistry. Its playful brass feet and angular design evoked a sense of Gio Ponti’s influence, making it a unique addition to any collection. O’Sullivan’s carefully curated booth underscored his growing reputation as a designer with a distinct and visionary approach to modern design.
Gallery FUMI: Pushing the Boundaries of Design
Known for its daring and innovative approach, Gallery FUMI once again impressed at PAD London 2024. Last year’s winner of the Best Gallery Presentation at Design Miami, FUMI’s booth featured standout pieces like Jeremy Anderson’s Lumia floor lamp, a futuristic ceramic work that set the tone for the entire display.
Photo courtesy: Gallery FUMI
The gallery’s boldest piece was Voukenas Petrides’ Cloud Chair, a dazzling bronze sculpture that doubled as functional art. Emma Witter’s delicate oyster shell, crafted from pearl, resin, and copper, offered a striking contrast with its fragile beauty. Gallery FUMI’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of design remained as strong as ever, with this year’s booth further cementing its status as one of the most exciting galleries in the contemporary design world.
The 2024 edition of PAD London once again affirmed its place as a premier event for lovers of design, art, and culture, with a thoughtfully curated selection of galleries and works that delighted and inspired attendees.
Text by Shalini Passi
Image Courtesy: Vikram Goyal, Tijs Vervecken, Willy Rizzo, Portuondo Gallery, James McDonald, Gallery FUMI
Find out more about PAD London Art + Design Fair 2024: https://www.padesignart.com/en/london/
