This October marks my second in London, and once again, I’m swept into the exhilarating whirlwind of art fairs, exhibitions, dinners, and parties that unfold over the month. During Frieze Week, London transforms into the beating heart of the art world, only to pass the spotlight to Paris with Paris Art Basel right after. And so, the journey continues year-round, Miami, New York, Maastricht, Basel, Seoul, each city with its own allure and surprises.

It’s nearly impossible to see it all, so choosing wisely becomes an art in itself. One visit to any of these fairs reveals a world of fresh perspectives, bold works, and unexpected encounters. Join me as I guide you through my October journey in London, sharing highlights from the design and art scenes as seen through my eyes.

Offer Waterman – Frank Auerbach: Portraits of London 

• 4 October – 7 December 2024
• St George St, London

This year, I found myself back at Offer Waterman, almost exactly a year after I first discovered them during the exhibition On Foot, curated by Jonathan Anderson. That show remains a favourite for its spatial design: the way linen panels shaped the atmosphere, blending seamlessly with the character of the historic building. Visitors were invited to walk “through” London itself, encountering an intriguing mix of art and fashion.

This year, Offer Waterman is hosting a solo exhibition of Frank Auerbach, once again returning to the theme of London’s streets. After the artist’s extensive retrospective at The Courtauld Gallery this May, I appreciated the intimate format of this current show, which captures the same spirit on a smaller scale. Auerbach once said of the city, “I’ve been wandering around these streets for so long that I have become attached to them, and as fond of them as people become fond of their pets. This part of London is my world.” I resonate deeply with this sentiment. Walking through London each day, I’ve come to love watching the warm light reflect off damp, darkened pavements, listening to old Polish blues on my headphones, and daydreaming, discovering a deeper sense of place as I soak in its sights and sounds.

ÉCLATANT with Mark Brazier-Jones and Stacie McCormick at Secteur Privé

• 8th – 30th October 2024
• Portland Place, London

During Frieze Week, the annual October whirlwind of art events, parties, and special exhibitions across London, Secteur Privé presented ÉCLATANT!, a lively showcase of works by Mark Brazier-Jones and Stacie McCormick, curated by Ayman Daouk, Colette Gibson, and Jimena Sancho. Secteur Privé, described as “a home where art finds design,” was founded in 2017, developing naturally from a deep-rooted passion for blending art with interior design. Housed in a Grade II listed building in Marylebone, this boutique art space provides a warm contrast to the conventional “white cube” gallery style, offering an immersive environment where art and design meld seamlessly.

ÉCLATANT! was a refreshing visual experience, full of colour, form, and texture that animated the space, offering a vibrant pause amid the fast pace of Frieze Week. Each piece was carefully curated to evoke emotion and spark dialogue, with Brazier-Jones and McCormick even creating works that responded to each other’s colours and moods, establishing a captivating conversation throughout the exhibition.

PAD Design 

• 8 – 13 October 2024
• Berkeley Square, London

We’re kicking things off with a deep dive into PAD London, a design fair dedicated to showcasing designer furniture, fine art, and luxury accessories in beautifully curated, immersive settings. Each gallery crafts its stand with a unique atmosphere, illuminating the character and story of each piece. Nestled in Berkeley Square, at the heart of Mayfair, PAD is an intimate yet dynamic fair that sets the stage for design wonders to unfold.

As our journey through the fairs continues, we’ll return to Mayfair more than once. At PAD, I discovered new favourites. Each visit offers something fresh, from the joy of learning through observation, reading, and conversation to the thrill of encountering unexpected pieces. Art fairs like PAD aren’t just about seeing beautiful objects; they’re invaluable for networking and connecting with passionate individuals who bring each piece to life.

Maisonjaune Studio

One of my highlights at PAD London was a captivating display by the Maisonjaune Studio based in Paris. What first drew my attention was the colour palette, soft oranges, warm lighting, and various shades of white, creating a serene yet vibrant atmosphere. Then, the textures began to stand out: rattan wood and playful, spiral details on a stunning bed by one of my favourite Italian designers, Gabriella Crespi. The bed’s intricate canopy construction immediately evoked the Solomonic column, a Baroque architectural element marked by its dynamic, twisted S-curve. This column style, brought to life by Bernini’s Baldacchino in St. Peter’s Basilica, infuses the traditional column form with energy and fluidity, qualities perfectly echoed in Maisonjaune Studio’s approach to design. They invite people to see, breathe, and appreciate art in a setting that merges rare pieces, unique materials, and evocative lighting. Their designs are an eclectic and unexpected dialogue between past and present, inviting conviviality and discovery.

Anna Weyant at Gagosian “Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolves?”

• October 8 – December 20, 2024
• 17-19 Davies Street, London

In the midst of PAD and Frieze, one show had everyone talking, just a short three-minute stroll from Berkeley Square, which, as we know, is central to October’s art scene. At Gagosian’s Davies Street gallery, Anna Weyant’s works were on view in London for the first time, creating a captivating stir. Weyant’s paintings often capture gestures of tragicomic awkwardness, while her meticulously detailed still-life compositions lend ordinary objects an eerie, dreamlike quality. Her muted monochromatic palette only deepens this reflective, nostalgic atmosphere, evoking a Renaissance-like glaze while exploring modern themes. The exhibition felt notably intimate, partly due to the compact size of the Davies Street Gallery, which offered a more personal viewing experience compared to the larger Gagosian space at Grosvenor Hill, just across the street.

FRIEZE MASTERS

• 9 – 13 October 2024
• Regent’s Park, London
• Philip Mould & Company 

               

The last time I encountered Philip Mould & Company was at the Treasure House Fair in June, perfectly timed with the Wimbledon and Ascot season. Specialising in Old Master and Modern British art, the gallery consistently presents a fascinating blend of periods and styles. For me, however, the true highlight is their representation of artists from the Bloomsbury Group, a collective of English writers, intellectuals, philosophers, and artists active in the early 20th century. This group included notable figures like Virginia Woolf, Vanessa Bell, Cedric Morris (one of his works is pictured above), and Duncan Grant. Their creative legacy spans from London’s Fitzrovia to the village of Charleston, where they owned a farmhouse that is now open to visitors.

At the fair, I appreciated how the gallery expertly curated the space, using contrasting still lifes, dark Old Master portraits, and thoughtfully designed furniture to create a cosy, living room-like setting. This inviting atmosphere encouraged viewers to linger and fully absorb the layers of history, colour, and artistic dialogue within the exhibition.

• Rose Uniacke 

In mid-October, many galleries and interior designers are fully immersed in both Frieze and PAD, and Rose Uniacke was no exception. Known for their luxurious, modern approach to interiors and their blend of contemporary designs, antique curation, and self-designed pieces, Rose Uniacke’s presence added a refined warmth to both fairs.

One day, I found myself admiring their cosy, orange-toned space at PAD, filled with teak, oak, and walnut wood accents, and layered textures like Tibetan lamb rugs—perfectly suited to sinking into an Early Flagline Chair by Hans Wegner for a moment of relaxation. The next day at Frieze Masters, Rose Uniacke’s display transformed into a darker, more mysterious setting that celebrated materiality and master craftsmanship. Highlights included a strikingly Baroque William and Mary Pier Glass Mirror from circa 1689-1702 and exquisitely crafted furniture and lighting by Jean-Michel Frank, showcasing an inspired contrast of warmth and opulence across both events.

FRIEZE LONDON

• 9 – 13 October 2024
• Regent’s Park, London

While wandering through Frieze London, I found myself drawn to Jose Campos, known as Studio Lenca, whose work was on display through Carl Freedman Gallery from Margate. The vibrant coastal town, now a thriving contemporary art hub shaped by figures like Tracey Emin, provides a fitting backdrop for Campos’s singular vision. Under the moniker Studio Lenca, he creates an artistic world that bridges experimental practice and cultural heritage, honouring his connection to the Lenca people of eastern El Salvador.

Before Frieze, I’d already earmarked Alex Gardner as a must-see. Based in Los Angeles, Gardner’s luminous works capture the delicate nuances of relationships, weaving dual narratives of optimism and paranoia. His piece Time Control particularly captivated me, with colours intermingling across the figure’s skin, an effect that felt like a softer, blended homage to Jordan Casteel’s impasto in Jonathan, 2014, but with smoother lines and layers that hint at intricate emotions. Continuing my journey, I paused at the booth for Herald St, a gallery established in 2005 with two London locations and a roster of twenty-seven international artists. Their selection of smaller-scale works stood out, offering a refreshing contrast to the recent trend of oversized pieces. The more intimate dimensions felt personal, inviting a closer, more meaningful engagement. One piece, The Corner by Sang Woo Kim, particularly resonated with me. Hung at eye level, its compact size encouraged viewers to connect deeply with the subject—a moment of genuine intimacy in the whirlwind of Frieze.

LAPADA 

• 22 – 27 October 2024
• Berkeley Square

As a child, my father often called me “sroczka,” a Polish word for “little magpie,” hinting at my love for all things that sparkle. Magpies are notorious for collecting shiny objects, and, just like them, I’ve always had a fascination for antique jewellery. While my appreciation for these pieces has grown more academic over the years, I’m still captivated by the meticulous craftsmanship: the art of setting stones, forming wires, and the dedication to intricate, handmade details. LAPADA, the Association of Art & Antique Dealers, is a treasure trove for enthusiasts like me. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024, this fair offers a deep dive into not only antique jewellery but a world of decorative arts and historical curiosities. Long-time LAPADA member Robin Haydock, an esteemed antique dealer and collector, embodies the passion that drives this community. With over 25 years dedicated to sourcing exquisite tapestries and antique jewellery, his curated collection was a true delight, featuring jewellery pieces that sparkled with vibrant gems in every hue. Gold, silver, and an array of styles and forms came together in a shimmering display of artistry and history.

Conclusion

As October draws to a close, London’s art scene gracefully steps back, making way for new cities and fresh perspectives. Thank you for joining me on this artistic journey, until the next destination. 

Reference 

• https://gagosian.com/exhibitions/2024/anna-weyant-whos-afraid-of-the-big-bad-wolves/
• https://www.dimoregallery.com/projects/gabriella-crespi-visioni-april-2019/
• https://cabanamagazine.com/blogs/masters-muses/gabrielle-crespi
• https://www.padesignart.com/en/
• https://www.phillips.com/auctions/auction/UK010524
• https://www.waterman.co.uk/exhibitions/95-frank-auerbach-portraits-of-london-presented-by-offer-waterman-francis-outred/
• https://robinhaydockantiques.com/pages/about-robin-haydock
• https://maisonjaunestudio.com/
• https://www.heraldst.com/artists