The 16th edition of PAD London returned to Berkeley Square, Mayfair, from 8–13 October 2024, drawing over 31,000 visitors and confirming its status as one of the most important events for design and decorative arts on the international calendar. With 62 galleries, including 12 newcomers, the fair balanced historical design icons with experimental contemporary works, showing just how fluid the boundary between art and functional design has become.

A Spotlight on Ceramics and Unconventional Materials

This year, ceramics took center stage. Far from modest decorative objects, they appeared as monumental, sculptural statements — placing clay in the same realm as bronze or marble in terms of artistic impact. Meanwhile, exhibitors explored daring material choices: feathers, bones, human hair, silk worm cocoons, and sisal yarn were just some of the unusual media incorporated into design pieces, underlining PAD’s role as a hub for innovation in craftsmanship.

Award Highlights

  • The Contemporary Design Prize went to Peter Schlesinger for his Untitled (2021), shown by newcomer Tristan Hoare. The award not only spotlighted Schlesinger’s ceramics but also helped reposition him beyond his long-standing association with David Hockney.

  • Laffanour / Galerie Downtown received the Booth Prize, thanks to a presentation that seamlessly integrated works by masters such as Pierre Chareau.

Galleries to Watch

Several galleries made particularly strong impressions:

  • Bryan O’Sullivan Studio, making its PAD debut, presented elegant pieces inspired by mid-century European design, such as the plush Baloo armchair.

  • Carpenters Workshop Gallery brought heavyweight names like Claude Lalanne and Rick Owens, demonstrating how art and design can merge in a single object.

  • Objects With Narratives and Nilufar drew attention with sculptural, narrative-driven works, balancing bold contemporary design with collectible mid-century icons.

Collectors and Sales

Dealers reported robust sales throughout the week, including acquisitions by museums and a noticeable rise in purchases by younger collectors. The fair continues to prove that design is no longer simply functional — it is a cultural investment, collected with the same seriousness as painting or sculpture.

A Global Audience

PAD 2024 welcomed buyers and institutions from across Europe, the US, the Middle East, and India. The atmosphere throughout the fair reflected its international appeal, while retaining the intimacy and curatorial rigor that distinguish it from larger, more sprawling art fairs.

What is PAD?

For readers less familiar: PAD (Pavilion of Art & Design) is an annual fair established in Paris and later in London, dedicated to 20th-century and contemporary design, decorative arts, and collectible jewelry. It takes place in a boutique setting at Berkeley Square, Mayfair, where leading galleries showcase museum-quality design objects. PAD is recognized for its curatorial flair and for blurring the boundaries between fine art and design.