Design experts will address how to put the principles of design into practice, either from an inspirational standpoint or a practical one, making use of objects around the fair. Included are Henrietta Spencer Churchill, Emma Burns from Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, Caroline de Cabarrus of Hotspur Design, Susie Rumbold, Douglas Mackie, Christopher Vane Percy and April Russell.
“There is a strong demand for advice from experts on how to incorporate art and antiques into interiors and previous designer talks have been very well attended,” says fair director Mary Claire Boyd. “We are taking it to the next level this year by hosting top designers throughout the run of the fair.”
Collecting and design
‘Summer Olympia’, as it is commonly known, is now in its 45th year and has historically been regarded as a collectors’ event. The move toward design is a sign of the times and other UK fairs have taken a similar route, such as The Bath Decorative Antiques Fair which launched two design tours during its run this spring.
Olympia continues its regular programme of talks which includes lectures by curators from the British Museum and Tate Britain.
More than 160 dealers from around the UK and beyond are set to exhibit at this year’s fair, which runs from June 26-July 2.
