Internationally renowned designer Jamie Drake is unveiling a unique room designed expressly for the weeklong Masterpiece London show, which kicks off Thursday and runs through July 4 on the South Ground of The Royal Hospital Chelsea.
“It is a choice honor for me to be able to express at Masterpiece London my approach to combining wide-ranging styles,” says New York-based Drake, “especially since this splendid event is itself a showcase of the traditional and the modern, and everything in between.”
Drake's approach begins with a strong architectural background: modern columns, deep cornices and a metallic-silver sisal grass-cloth cut in alternating squares to create a parquet effect on the walls. He has hung two contemporary photographs: The Lovers and Concerning the Soul, both by David LaChappelle on the grass-cloth walls. A pair of Regency marble-topped and ormolu-mounted breakfront mahogany chiffoniers from Kentshire Galleries, a painting of Leda and the Swan and modern sculpture, all from Robilant & Voena, mix with exquisite antique porcelains from Michele Beiny. Custom sofa and chairs, upholstered in Scalamandré's Casse Ottoman, coordinate with a 1950s Italian leather-clad lounge chair designed by Achille Castiglione from Gordon Watson in front of a sculptural cocktail table from Based Upon. On one side of the room, a contemporary library table, also from Based Upon, is flanked by early 18th century black- lacquered Chinese Export side chairs from Mallett. On the other side, a dining table and chairs offer counterpoint. “The effect of the composition,” says Drake, “will be of lush and lavish open-plan living space, reflecting how people live today, surrounded by pieces that cross boundaries, centuries and cultures.”
Says Philip Hewat-Jaboor, Chairman of Masterpiece London: “Masterpiece London lives up to its name in a number of ways. Not only will we have great works of art from all periods and origins - excellence from antiquity to the present day - but also a masterpiece created especially for us by Jamie Drake. Specifically aimed to demonstrate and explain to our visitors how to imaginatively combine works of differing styles and origin I am particularly thrilled to have one of his design triumphs as an added bonus to the many great experiences in store at Masterpiece London.”
The mastermind behind of some of this world's most sophisticated spaces, including residences for Madonna and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Drake launched Drake Design Associates nearly 35 years ago. During that time, Drake's glamorous yet livable room designs celebrated for deftly proclaiming both the personality of the client and the individuality of spaces have energized the pages of countless publications, including Architectural Digest, House & Garden and Elle Decor. At Masterpiece London, fair-goers will get to see up close and first-hand the sort of room design that has won the designer ongoing recognition.
Masterpiece London is a forum for distinctive design and aesthetic excellence. It showcases the best of the best in fine and decorative arts with premium collectors’ items such as classic cars, fine wines, exquisite jewelry and design from around the world.
Preview: Wednesday June 27, 11am-10pm.
Charity Party in support of Clic Sargent: Tuesday, July 3, 7pm-10pm CLIC Sargent is the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people.
OPEN TIMES/TICKET PRICES:
Thursday June 28, 11am-9pm; Saturday June 30 & Sunday July 1, 11am-7pm; Friday June 29 & Monday July 2 to Wednesday 4, 11am–9pm
Preview Ticket: $160 per person – limited availability
Public Ticket: $30 per person
