Modernity partners with Frieze – moves into gallery in Mayfair
For nearly 100 years, Cork Street has housed some of the most significant galleries and exhibitions in modern and contemporary art history. It was the heart of the British art world in the 20th century, introducing the UK to surrealism and artists such as Paul Klee and Joan Miró.
"We are very proud to have been selected by Frieze to be their permanent partner in their investment in a gallery that is open all year round," says Andrew Duncanson, owner and founder of Modernity.
"Our project at 14 Cavendish Square, the Palladian townhouse which we occupied for a year and a half, opened many doors for the company in London, including working with several major galleries on joint exhibitions. I believe the success of these is what sparked Frieze’s interest in working with us at Cork Street. The symbiotic relationship between art and design helped give the works both context in a domestic setting and a sense of scale. This is what proved successful at Cavendish and what will make Cork Street so unique", says Sebastien Holt, Director of Modernity London.
Modernity has worked together with the architecture firm Matheson Whiteley, who designed the Cork Street gallery, on the curation of the viewing rooms. The space allows you to see the artwork within a home-like environment to give people perspective. The gallery also provides a place for international galleries to show their work off in a London space, the first round of exhibitions will showcase work by the fantastic James Cohan Gallery from New York, Commonwealth and Council from Los Angeles and Proyectos Ultravioleta from Guatemala, which runs until 23rd October 2021.
"Because we have such a strong focus on Nordic design, there is a common thread between all the different designers that makes our environments feel calm, beautiful and harmonious, rooms you simply want to be in," says Andrew Duncanson.
In furnishing the spaces, Modernity has chosen several key pieces. A key highlight includes the "Credenza" Sideboard designed by Arne Vodder in Brazilian rosewood. The "Credenza" is probably the most loved and iconic piece of Danish storage furniture from the 1950–1960s. This is complemented by the rare brass pair of table lamps designed by Lisa Johansson-Pape, where the brass shades on these lamps make them particularly rare.
We are showing a special dining set designed by Alvar Aalto for Finmar Ltd, with the exceptionally rare Karelian birch top. This set consists of table 91 and four 611 stacking chairs. Contributing to illuminating the room is lovely floor lamp model A809 designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyö. As well as the Lilla H Chair designed by Caroline Schlyter, which is one of 20 made that were signed and numbered by the artist.
At the attached link, you can read about Frieze's new gallery space: www.frieze.com/article/frieze-launches-first-ever-exhibition-space-london-no9-cork-street
Open for the public from 8th October.
