Antiques Fair News: London's LAPADA Fair Runs October 22-27, 2024, Featuring Luxury Wall-Coverings by Fromental

The LAPADA Art & Antiques Fair, taking place from October 22 to 27 in Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London, remains a premier destination for those passionate about fine art, furniture, jewellery, and collectibles. Known for blending tradition with modern luxury, the fair is organized by the London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association (LAPADA) and is renowned for its meticulously curated exhibits. It continues to serve as a vibrant hub for antique and art trading in central London, attracting an international audience.

Fromental's hand-embroidered designs at Decorex 2024.  Photo by Lucia Carpio

This year, British brand Fromental, celebrated for its luxury wall-coverings featuring hand-painted and hand-embroidered designs, especially in the chinoiserie style, plays a prominent role through two special collaborations. One of these showcases their iconic chinoiserie design, which wraps the exterior of Berkeley Square, paying tribute to the venue's historical significance and timeless elegance.

At the Decorex interiors fair held at Kensington Olympia, London October 6-9 2024, 
Fromental presented a selection of hand-painted and embroidered silk panels suspended overhead,  with walls on either side showing the brand's embroidered chinoiserie wall-coverings.
Photo by Lucia Carpio

In addition, an innovative use of Augmented Reality (AR) allows visitors to scan the design with their smartphones and watch as the intricate Nightingale songbird comes to life and takes flight, adding a dynamic, interactive element to the artwork. This fusion of tradition and modern technology offers a fresh, engaging way to experience the craftsmanship behind Fromental’s designs. 

Lizzie Deshayes, Creative Director at Fromental, explains, "This collaboration explores the interplay between historical influences and contemporary design. By integrating technology with classical art, we’re pushing creative boundaries while staying true to our roots."

The exterior wrap pays homage to classical craftsmanship, featuring rich details such as magnolias, fruit trees, and peonies, all brought to life through Fromental’s signature hand-painted artistry. It's a celebration of historical techniques reimagined for the present, demonstrating how tradition can evolve alongside modern innovation.

Inside the LAPADA fair, Fromental’s wall coverings also grace the restaurant space, providing visitors with an immersive backdrop that further enriches their sensory experience.

A Bespoke Design for the Berkeley Square Collective stand,
curated by the talented Stephanie Barba Mendoza, features Nobuko from Fromental.

Meanwhile, another of Fromental's bespoke wallpaper designs is showcased at the Berkeley Square Collective stand, curated by designer Stephanie Barba Mendoza. The wallpaper, titled Nobuko, draws inspiration from Stephanie’s recent travels to Tokyo and the works of French sculptor Ivan Leon Alexandre Blanchot. Combining Art Deco influences with modern techniques, the design presents a striking fusion of elegance and history.

Hand-finished on iridescent paper, Nobuko features a floral motif in a trompe l'œil style, resembling a stone bas-relief. It is framed by faux marbles inspired by the Villa of Mysteries in Pompeii, creating a space that captures both historical richness and contemporary artistry. Stephanie’s curation of the stand artfully weaves together art, antiques, and design, offering visitors a distinctive experience that bridges the past with the present.

Fromental's silk panels at Decorex 2024
Photo by Lucia Carpio

At the Decorex interiors fair, held at Kensington Olympia, London, from October 6-9, 2024, Fromental presented a stunning display of hand-painted and embroidered silk panels suspended overhead, flanked by walls showcasing the brand's signature embroidered chinoiserie wall-coverings. 

Photo by Lucia Carpio

The centerpiece of the installation was a striking creation from fashion designer Harris Reed’s couture collection, as seen above, crafted from Fromental’s silk wallcovering panels and previously featured at the Met Gala in New York.  The dramatic ensemble featured a three-dimensional corset, a draped train and extra-flared trousers.

Fromental was founded in 2005 by Tim Butcher and Lizzie Deshayes.  Their high-end wall-coverings are often seen in luxury interiors around the world, including private homes, hotels, and commercial spaces.