Opening today, the annual Art & Design exhibition at Mayfair’s avant-garde destination, sketch, showcases works from three artists and designers: Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, Paul Cocksedge and the emerging Ida Immendorff. This year’s exhibition is entitled Dreamscapes – taking inspiration from surrealist design, whilst honouring the heritage of sketch’s eclectic art-filled interiors, innovative cuisine and extraordinary dining experiences, and not to mention the architecture of No.9 Conduit Street.
Partnering with London Design Festival and Mayfair Design District, the exhibition is open until 10th November, encompassing key cultural events in London including London Fashion Week, London Design Festival, PAD and Frieze Art Fair.
Set across three distinctive areas within sketch – the façade, reception and ‘pod loos’ will present ‘Home of the Braves’, celebrating the pioneering courage and unapologetically fearless spirit of the Suffragettes. A fitting theme as Dame Fawcett spoke at a public meeting in July 1869 at No.9 Conduit Street calling for the enfranchisement of women. The installation is the creative vision of forward-thinking, prominent artist and fashion designer, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, whose work is characterised by a limited colour palette of blue, yellow and red.
In the Entrance Hall, visitors are greeted by ‘Flag Hall’ an installation featuring multi-coloured slogan flags that celebrate the unwavering suffragette spirit. Underfoot, a 30sqm custom rug designed by Castelbajac welcomes guests into the building. In collaboration with emerging fashion designer, Ida Immendorff, the pair drew inspiration from elements of protest and suffragette aprons to dress the three alcoves. The theme continues into the reception which has been titled ‘The Armoury’, immersing visitors in the combative and heroic spirit of the suffragettes, with shields, coats of arms and imaginary weapons lining the walls. The final scene concludes in the famous sketch ‘loo pods’ and is titled the ‘Epic Room’. Here the space has been transformed into a vault and medieval crest adorns each pod.
The Glade has been transformed by innovative designer Paul Cocksedge and features a reinterpretation of the traditional chandelier. ‘Gravity Chandelier’ is supported by flexible white fabric elements that form graceful arcs reminiscent of the strokes of a brush or pen on paper.
Throughout the exhibition, visitors to sketch can enjoy bespoke cocktails designed by sketch’s creative bar team to reflect the Dreamscape theme, with a special patisserie available too.
Head to sketch at 9, Conduit Street, London W1S 2XG to explore the exhibition between 12th September – 10th November.