The prestigious PAD London design fair is returning to London's upscale Mayfair district this October, featuring an impressive lineup of 67 galleries from 20 countries showcasing both 20th century and contemporary collectible design. The 17th edition of the fair will take place from October 14-19 under its signature tent at Berkeley Square, coinciding with the renowned Frieze art fair.
This year's event marks several significant milestones, including the participation of 11 new exhibitors. Among the notable newcomers is PIK'D from Beirut, marking PAD London's first-ever participant from the Middle East, and the influential American institution Friedman Benda. The fair continues to present objects that blur the traditional boundaries between functionality and art, offering visitors a unique perspective on collectible design.
PIK'D will showcase ceramic and glass pieces, featuring the delicately crafted vessels of Australian-Lebanese ceramicist Andrea Nassar. Meanwhile, Friedman Benda will focus on playful and mischievous works from its extensive roster of talent, including pieces by French-Lebanese maker Najla El Zein and celebrated British designer Faye Toogood, whose Maquette 016-Box Stool will be among the featured works.
Parisian galleries are making a strong showing among the new exhibitors. Pulp Galerie is creating a special presentation dedicated to legendary Italian architect and designer Gaetano Pesce, featuring rarely seen works from private collections. Sceners Gallery will present an intriguing juxtaposition of French abstract painter Jean Degottex's work alongside pieces by Italian Art Nouveau designer and artisan Carlo Bugatti, including Bugatti's elaborate console table with bone inlay.
A particularly noteworthy collaboration involves Galerie Rinck celebrating the Art Deco designs of historic figure Eugène Rinck in partnership with British studio and gallery The Guild of Saint Luke. This display will feature contemporary reinterpretations crafted in black burl and milled stainless steel, which organizers describe as "brooding, decadent" counterparts to the warm tones of the original pieces.
Returning favorites include London's Gallery Fumi, which is premiering work from American artist and woodworker Jesse Schlesinger, known for sculpting wood into unfamiliar forms. Brussels gallery Objects with Narratives will present the monumental bronze lighting creations of Bulgarian artist and set designer Vladimir Slavov, whose chandeliers currently grace the new Dries Van Noten flagship store in Hanover Square.
London-based exhibitors are bringing diverse offerings to the fair. Sarah Myerscough Gallery will feature works from its global roster of artists, including the innovative wooden vessels of German artist Ernst Gamperl. Adrian Sassoon is focusing on pieces that combine traditional craft with innovation, showcasing items such as a diptych of intricately sculpted small gold flowers.
Milan's Nilufar Gallery will present two distinct displays: one surveying decades of visionary design with examples ranging from Walter Moretti's vintage armchairs to contemporary pieces by Bethan Laura Wood, and a second display exclusively focused on Indian designer Vikram Goyal, who merges his cultural heritage with contemporary design sensibilities.
Leading French design galleries are also returning for the 2025 edition. Meubles et Lumieres will showcase a custom-made, 14-cushioned Maurice Marty sofa from 1972, while Galerie Mélissa Paul will feature the sculptural, spindly Fan tables and Jellyfish chair designs by Clotilde Ancarani. Galerie Kreo will present Marco Campardo's high-gloss resin Jello coffee table, and Maison Parisienne will offer a more ethereal approach with a series by glass artist Gerald Vatrin featuring translucent forms enhanced with gold leaves.
The fair represents a significant gathering of international design talent, providing collectors and design enthusiasts with access to exceptional pieces that span multiple generations and cultural influences. PAD London continues to establish itself as a premier destination for those seeking collectible design that challenges conventional categories and celebrates both historical significance and contemporary innovation.
