Modernity in collaboration with Adrian Sassoon 5th – 28th October 2020
Modernity welcomed Adrian Sassoon, the UK’s leading gallery for contemporary decorative art and design, to our London showroom on 14 Cavendish Square. The two galleries curated a joint exhibition until the end of October.
“The collaboration is a natural one, as many people live surrounded by beautiful furniture, objects and artworks. All pieces work very well together, says director Andrew Duncanson.
Modernity opened its London doors in February to a showroom within a Palladian mansion of 7 000 square feet (650 square meters) in Marylebone filled with the best of Nordic Design: furniture, textiles, lighting and art.
Modernity has now invited Adrian Sassoon Gallery, London, to present prime pieces of contemporary works of art by many of the world’s foremost artists, and the showroom is now open by appointment. The absence of the art and design fairs PAD and Frieze in London this year has prompted the two international dealers to present a compelling and innovative curated display, staging their distinct signature collections side by side.
Modernity has also restocked the house with a wide range of new pieces since the opening in February, and is now an emporium of Nordic Design in the centre of London.
Striking contemporary ceramics, glass and metalwork from Adrian Sassoon’s impressive stable of international artists are set in dialogue with Modernity’s elegant design classics from legendary Nordic makers and designers, all staged within the extraordinary interior of the mansion on Cavendish Square. The dilapidated grandeur of the building provides a dramatic backdrop to the curation, with its stripped walls and exposed brickwork and rafters juxtaposing with graceful period details such as original plaster mouldings.
“Adrian Sassoon is an exceptional dealer with an exquisite eye, and curates thoughtful exhibitions, with very interesting and inspiring pieces” says Andrew Duncanson, founder of Modernity Stockholm.
“Adrian’s works will be placed alongside ours in what should be a spectacle for the eye. We have created immersive rooms where our visitors can appreciate a curated ensemble of 20th Century Nordic design, as well as experience the pieces in their natural place – a domestic setting. By incorporating pieces from Adrian Sassoon, you extend this experience further”, says Sebastien Holt, director in London.
Among the highlights presented by Sassoon will be a brand new large bowl by acclaimed British ceramicist Kate Malone MBE entitled Atomic Snow Bowl (2020), finished with her characteristic crystalline glaze. The expansive space set over five storeys also allows for the display of a series of monumental hand-painted vases by acclaimed contemporary artist Felicity Aylieff. Their innate grandeur immediately strikes the viewer. Danish glassblower Tobias Møhl will showcase his new Seven-Part Leaf Collection (2020), composed of seven unique vessels containing exquisitely delicate strands of woven and twisted coloured glass. Further highlights include work by Japanese artist Hitomi Hosono who will present her impossibly intricate shallow vessel, Pine Tree Pool (2019), containing within it a captivating landscape of gently twisting porcelain leaves.
These exceptional contemporary pieces will be complemented by gems of Nordic modern design presented by Modernity including an iconic Chieftain Chair (designed in 1949), one of the great masterpieces by the late Danish architect Finn Juhl; and a pierced brass K2-33 model Ceiling Light designed by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy (designed in the 1950s), including exquisite botanical details and originally created to hang in the interior of a Finnish church. A unique three-seater sofa designed by Kaare Klint in 1916 and realised in a rich oak burl is also a rare and significant addition to the curation.
The exhibition ran from October 5th - 28th 2020.
