As a long-time supporter of the Sebastian + Barquet gallery, not to mention the subject of more than one solo exhibition, interior designer Geoffrey Bradfield has been a friend to the gallery for years. Now, however, the two embark on a different kind of partnership. For the first time he will be working with the gallery’s collection of historical and contemporary pieces for an exhibition called Wit & Whimsy.
Now on display at the brand-new gallery space at 529 W. 20th Street in New York City, the exhibition features hand-selected pieces from the Sebastian + Barquet trove, including 20th-century stools, consoles, chairs, cabinets and more.
When considering how to best outfit the gallery’s new space, Director Tara DeWitt said she knew that Bradfield would create an environment with a sense of history and contemporary viewpoint.
“I was intrigued by the invitation,” said Bradfield. “I have had the good fortune to be able to handpick and orchestrate an outstanding ensemble of iconic pieces, selecting from this distinguished cross-section, which includes the legendary Carlo Bugatti, and the likes of Gio Ponti, Piero Fornasetti and George Nakashima.”
Bradfield also mentioned his excitement to be “working with these varied eclectic and checkered examples of 20th-entury design,” saying they “put me in mind of a harlequin at play, resulting in a visual surfeit of whimsy and creativity.”
The exhibition is on view during gallery hours, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
