Fairs

Tent London 2013, London Design Festival – Little Big Bell’s picks.

Mineheart-Tent-London-2013-London-Design-Festival-photo-by-Geraldine-of-blog-Little-Big-Bell

Yesterday afternoon was time spent at Tent and London Super Brands, a design exhibition forming part of the London Design festival, based in East London.

Here are the stands that caught my attention.

Introducing Mine Heart, launched in 2010 by designers Brendan Young and Vanessa Battaglia.  The talented duo’s work is unique, with a surreal yet mischievous twist.

Mine Heart is from the Shakespearian word ‘my heart’ and is a reflection of the company’s boundless passion for their new ‘Lovable Collection’ .

A whimsical mix of imagery, so cleverly combined and presented, has a distinct linger of eras from bygone times.

My favourite piece is Young and Battaglia’s King Edison pendant lamp ( above) with a small chandelier suspended inside a hand blown bulb.

Mineheart

Chad Wys’ artistic interruption of portrait imagery on canvases and cushions are both arresting and beautiful. They have been likened to Dorian Gray.  cornucopia of emotions, at opposite poles, that sense of haunting yet romantic.

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Here’s another piece by Chad Wys, this time with an injection of satirical humour.

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Next, is this beautiful curated collection at The Cold Press. I was transfixed by how these individual pieces of art have been so seamlessly displayed to compliment one another.

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I was instantly drawn to Maxine Hall of Blackpop’s new wallpaper collection. Tent London was the inaugural launch. Inspired by the patterns of ancient tapestries, Maxine has combined her expertise in digital art to create a collection so beautiful and opulent, that transcends both a modern and vintage era.

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Here is a close up image. There are also repeats with a graduation of colours which when combined can create a wall with a stunning tonal effect.

I can imagine Marie Antoinette having this on the walls of her stylish palace boudoir.

Deborah-Bowness-wallpaper

These wallpaper by Deborah Bowness are genius. Usually we buy wallpaper to update a room, to create a more contemporary feel. Here is the clever reverse, to create an instant period feel with photos of beautiful, old objects. No need for an early morning rise to rummage through flea markets, salvage yards or antique auctions, in hope of that elusive vintage find.

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Here she has created a printed wallpaper with an image of vintage tiles. This would be a perfect backdrop against which one’s own vintage pieces of furniture or paintings can be layered upon. I think this would be great for hallways of old Victorian homes.

Homebarn-Tent-London-2013-London-Design-Festival-photo-by-Little-Big-Bell

This year at Tent London, Homebarn has been charged with styling the cafe area. They did not disappoint, the overall effect was stunning. At their adjoining shop were items that they have collected and restored for sale. All I can say is that it was certainly a visual feast of styling. If I had room in my home, I would have loved to have those vintage storage cabinets.

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In true Little Big Bell style, I leave you with two colourful images from the Polish designers of Collective Unconscious by Kosmos Project.

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These metal masks apparently representing the ancestral spirits of animals were worn during Forefather’s eve, a Slavic feast commemorating the dead (similar to our Halloween). They were  worn whilst summoning ghosts for their favours to be granted. The masks prevented recognition and an inadvertent pull to the underworld.

That aside, my first thought was that they would make a beautiful decorative feature in a child’s bedroom wall. What do you think?

Hope you’ve enjoyed this post. I’m trying desperately to finish all my London Design festival posts before my trip to Los Angeles next weekend, so do keep checking back or subscribe via Bloglovin. Have a lovely week ahead. x

10 Comments

  1. Oh Geraldine I love it all, especially Mine heart – FAB stuff. Wish I could have been there – next year for sure 😉 Happy Sunday,
    Ax

    • littlebigbell

      I think Mine Heart was a definite favourite this year. Would be wonderful to see you at LDF next year. Have a lovely sunday too xx

  2. Fab picks Geraldine, Mine Heart is definitely my favourite too! Love the ostrich print by Chad Wys too x

  3. LDF is always stressful and I like to see small venues much more than the bigger ones. I went to the Tent party on Wednesday evening so took the opportunity to have a snoop around. My favs were Mine Heart but I also liked Chad Wys.

    In a few days you’ll be off to LA. Not sure I’m jealous of your schedule over there… it’s more the weather xx

    • littlebigbell

      Yes, I do prefer smaller venues too but every now and then I discover a gem in the larger venues such as Mineheart and Chad Wys. I’m looking forward to LA weather too and excited for the blogtour xx

  4. You busy reporter, I guess you’ll have to quit your job at the hospital soon! Thank you for sharing the LDF with us, just catching up with everything now… The masks are beautiful, I also think they’d make a really nice kid’s room decoration. Have a wonderful time in LA Geraldine, I’m sure it will be a great experience (plus great weather, of course)

  5. I love the fact that you go around and sum up all the exhibitions so well. I was especially taken with Deborah Bowness’ wallpaper as it was so unique. Have a great time in LA and enjoy the sun lovely. xD

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