This year marks the 20th anniversary of PAD Paris (Pavillon of Art and Design) – the city’s premier design fair and one of our favorites! It is the crème de la crème of Paris design fairs. There are 55 galleries participating, the majority being French with a fine, albeit small, group of British, European and American galleries.
Each year when we visit, we find works of quality and originality exhibited with that particular blend of eclecticism and French flair which characterizes this relatively small fair. While its main focus remains firmly on showcasing 20th and 21st Century works of decorative art and design, you can also find Fine Art, African and Pre-Colombian pieces and exquisite jewellery as you wander along the aisles.
Patrick Perrin, the PAD Paris founder has compared it to a “cabinet of curiosities”, reflecting France’s very rich cultural history in the decorative arts and his own respect for the French “l’Art de Vivre” and the art of collecting. What makes PAD Paris stand out is this real sense of the eclecticism of the individual collector, with each gallery expressing a very particular aesthetic.
“I don’t want it to be a Salon that fills space by selling square meters to just anyone. That doesn’t interest me at all. I want to present galleries that have a real message, a real spirit and vision. At the end of the day its about a feeling, about desirable aesthetics,” says Perrin.
Young galleries rub shoulders with a strong stable of established galleries. You will find historical pieces alongside cutting edge contemporary works: poetic contemporary Scandinavian design at Galerie Maria Wettergren, Brazilian design at James, 20th century ‘architectural mobilier’ at Galerie Downtown, spectacular 1930s-50s pieces at Jacques Lacoste, 20th century and contemporary pieces at Gastou, carpets at Boccara made in collaboration with Urban Artists, contemporary pieces at Carpenters Workshop Gallery, Gosserez and BSL… the list could go on; but you should come and see for yourselves!
Studio PAD (usually on the right when you enter the Fair) will this year feature interior designers Daniel Suduca and Thierry Mérillou. They will create an interior space with the theme “The Avant-Garde of Summer”, combining raw materials and contemporary creations. The theme will reflect a bohemian chic with monastic white furniture and walls covered with raffia matting. Sounds intriguing!
Complimentary Tours of PAD with Artecase
The Fair is open to the public, from March 31 to April 3, in the beautiful Jardin des Tuileries. Since art and design fairs can often be a little overwhelming, we will guide you through the various stands and answer your questions so you can get the most out of the fair.
Scroll to the end of this article to book a complimentary tour of this very special Fair. Our aim is to make your visit enjoyable, informative and inspiring. And if you’re looking for a special piece, we can help you to make an informed decision and facilitate the purchase procedure. Come and be inspired!
Equally, if you have design goals and would be interested in exploring the markets and galleries in Paris, CONTACT US and we would be delighted to organise this for you.
ALSO READ INSPIRELLE’S feature on Artecase: “Treasure Hunters in Search of Collectible Design”
Artecase
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +33(0) 6 22 37 44 72 / +33(0) 6 47 25 09 66
Website: www.arte-case.com
PAD Paris
Jardin des Tuileries, 75001 Paris
Dates: March 31 – April 3, 2016; 11h-20h Thursday-Saturday; 11h-18h Sunday, April 3
Entry fee: 20€ per person. Purchase tickets online or at the door.
Website: www.pad-fairs.com
