A Day at PAD London | Highlights from the Oliver Burns Studio Team

Last Thursday, on a crisp autumn morning, we gathered in Berkeley Square for our annual visit to PAD London, one of our favourite highlights in the design calendar. The fair brings together leading designers, collectors, and curators, and it never fails to leave us feeling inspired. Surrounded by remarkable works and many familiar faces from the design world, we spent the day admiring beautiful pieces and noting a few special finds along the way. Here, we share what caught our eye and why we loved it.

HERVÉ VAN DER STRAETEN | ALABASTER LIGHT

‍Hervé Van der Straeten is always a gallery that we look forward to visiting, taking the time to appreciate his meticulously crafted pieces. This year, we were particularly taken by the Alabaster Pendant, centrally positioned to make a quiet yet refined statement. Modern in design yet timeless in its delivery, the pendant strikes a perfect balance between elegance and contemporary sensibility. Crafted from alabaster and accented with gilt bronze, it showcases the distinctive interplay of materials that defines Van der Straeten’s work. Undoubtedly, it is a piece our clients will love!

‍CARPENTERS WORKSHOP GALLERY | VINCENZO DE COTIIS, COFFEE TABLE

The Carpenters Workshop Gallery, as always, drew us in, with Vincenzo De Cotiis’s work demanding particular attention. It was a pleasure to reconnect with the team and be guided through his latest creations. Last year, we admired his stunning DC1826A Mirror, and this year the DC1602 Coffee table took centre stage. A true showstopper, it rewards close inspection; its cast brass forms marry architectural precision with soft, organic curves, epitomising De Cotiis’s signature style.

GALERIE MEUBLES ET LUMIERES | MAURICE MARTY, CARRE DEDETENTE SOFA

A moment of pause came in front of the Maurice Marty sofa, crafted in 1970. Channelling a revival in design history, while retaining a timeless charm, it sparked conversation and even prompted thoughts about introducing the conversation pit to the studio! Beautiful design has the power to trigger ideas, evoke memories, or simply make us stop and consider; a reminder that furniture can inspire as much as it furnishes.

OBJECTS WITH NARRATIVES | VLADIMIR SLAVOV

Vladimir Slavov’s collection, presented by Objects with Narratives, offered a fascinating exploration of matter, texture, and touch. In conversation with their wonderful team, we learned how these elements intuitively inform the structure of Slavov’s pieces. A standout was a stunning apricot sofa, which beautifully balanced the smooth, flowing curves of fabric with contrasting structural elements, exemplifying his mastery of material and form.

GALERIE MELISSA PAUL | CLOTILDE ANCARANI, ‘FAN’ CHAIR

Belgian-Italian artist Clotilde Ancarani’s ‘Fan’ Chair immediately caught our attention. We were fascinated by how something so delicate, a flower in full bloom, could be so beautifully reimagined in bronze, a material of surprising strength. Elegant yet quietly unassuming, the chair drew us in, and up close, we couldn’t help but admire the meticulous craftsmanship in every detail. We found ourselves already imagining the perfect dressing room, with this delicate yet striking piece poised gracefully within.

It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces in Berkeley Square, and to reconnect with the world of design in such an inspiring setting. We left with fresh ideas and a shortlist of exceptional pieces that we’ll be keeping a close eye on!

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