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AUTHOR Interiors at London Art Fair 2023

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It was a joy to be asked by the London Art Fair team to once again dress their VIP Collectors’ Lounge during this year’s Fair. Held in January at the London Business Design Centre in Islington, this was the 34th year in its history and still to this day succeeds in providing a space to showcase exceptional Modern and Contemporary Art, both to discover and to buy. Launching in 1989 with 36 galleries it has grown steadily over the years with now over 100 British and international galleries regularly exhibiting.

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Sarah Monk, Director of London Art Fair:

“We were thrilled that this year’s Fair could take place in its traditional January slot, launching the international art calendar once again with an exceptional and fresh collection of Modern and Contemporary Art. We are incredibly grateful to our galleries, sponsors and partners for their continuing support and invaluable contribution which has allowed us to deliver this 2023 edition and such a wonderful experience for all”

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The Fair’s extensive gallery line up showcases a diverse cross-section of art from emerging talent to established art world favourites; alongside an inspiring programme of curated talks, panel discussions and artists insights.

With pieces from figurative artwork, sculptures, contemporary painting and printmaking offerings were varied and fulfilling no matter a visitors inclination. Sales were reported of a Henry Moore, a Lynn Chadwick, and Bridget Riley’s with Hidden Gallery reporting one of their most successful Fairs to date selling pieces by Andy Warhol, and limited editions of Hockney and Banksy.

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Collectors Lounge

Having a space that was triple the size of last year allowed us to display the amazing breadth of pieces AUTHOR showcases. It also meant a few sleepless nights and a logistics plan to put NASA to shame.

With the increased floor space, we were able to run with the Collector’s theme, using various antique bookcases and cabinets to house an eclectic mixture of curiosities and wonders all created by talented makers from around the British Isles. A home from home aesthetic with every visitor welcomed and encouraged to wander and interact with pieces. The relax nature of our space encouraged direct engagement with seating, sculpture, ceramics and bronzes, lamps and lighting, wall hangings jewellery boxes, glass vases and porcelain bowls. It was a cohesive yet stimulating and unexpected space. Being able to combine furniture groupings from desperate styles will, we hope, encourage some experimentation at home. We mixed up styles from mid-century and cubist inspired pieces, recycled leather rugs and contemporary rocking chairs alongside sculptural timber side tables and metal and glass occasional tables.

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The Collectors Lounge saw AUTHOR hosting our own Meet the Makers event where seven of our makers from around the British Isles were able to provide behind the scene action on their make process and why they do what they do to an invited gathering. Araminta Campbell joined us from her atelier in Edinburgh bringing with her a portable loom, Neil Lemaire, from London was able to share the process involved in his cast bronze pieces, whilst Katie Walker, Christian Watson and David Watson were there to answer queries on their furniture making and Jacky Puzey on her fine art embroidery pieces. Jenny McCall the sculpture was on hand to explain her inspiration and creative process behind her sculptural pieces. So a talented and varied group of makers across all sorts of mediums proved to be a great success both for the makers and those baring witness; a format we shall look to replicate.

The Collectors Lounge played host to many events, including a Gusbourne English Sparkling Wine Tasting which felt very at home amidst AUTHOR’s very British Pieces. It must be said their wines are indeed exceptional, and particularly pleasing after the 12 hour Fair days!

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Jane was asked to be part of a panel discussion entitled ‘The Fine Art of Commissioning,’ exploring with Cynthia Corbett of Cynthia Corbett Gallery, how collectors move on from building a collection to commissioning an artist to create a unique work, for either a private home or public space. This live discussion was recorded and released as part of the BeSpoke podcast, which reveals the stories behind the creation of unique objects, experiences and places, hosted by Adriana Paice Kent, Founder of Woven Spaces.

A miked and staged discussion, it was a fruitful end enriching conversation for all involved with interesting and stimulating audience questions on practicalities.

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All in all a fantastic start to 2023 for both the London Art Fair and AUTHOR. We are excited and looking forward to the Collectors evolution in 2024!

About the Author

jane

Written by Jane Adams, founder of Author Interiors. LinkedIn:

Read more about her here.

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