AO Journal

Best in Show: TEFAF

03. May 2019

Mark your calendars this week as treasures from the worlds of fine art, antiques and design will make their debut at the prestigious TEFAF New York Spring Fair. As an off-shoot of the TEFAF Maastricht show held annually in March, international dealers will unveil the best in unrivaled museum-quality modern and contemporary art. Much more than just a European Fair, the show attracts the attention of architects, designers, connoisseurs and collectors alike. Held at the Park Avenue Armory May 3rd through May 7th, here are a few of the highlights. 

Modernity

Located in the heart of Stockholm, ArtOrigo dealer Modernity is known worldwide for its collection of classics from noted designers of the 20th century such as Josef Frank, Alvar Aalto, Hans Wegner, Finn Jul and Arne Jacobsen. As one of the leading galleries of Europe, Modernity features rare and high-end furniture, glass, lighting, jewelry, ceramics and glass with an emphasis on post-war design.

Pair of chandeliers model K1-40 Mauri Almari for Idman, Finland 1950's

Sofa, designed by Kaj Gottlob for A.J. Iversen, Denmark. 1920's


 

Nilufar

Founded by Nina Yashar in 1979, ArtOrigo dealer Nilufar Gallery is a haven for those who love both historical and contemporary design. The Milan-based gallery’s manifesto “Discovering, Crossing, Creating” is at the aesthetic core of everything they do and their international exhibitions garner interest worldwide from the Pavillon des Arts et du Design (PAD) in Paris and London to Art Basel in Miami. 

Atollo Table by Massimiliano Locatelli is made of brass, enamel and polished cast bronze

Wikatoria stools by Martino Gamper, UK, 2018​​


 

Axel Vervoordt

International architect, designer, author and tastemaker Axel Vervoordt has been a fixture in the world of art, design and antiques since the 1960s. His namesake family-run Belgian firm began when he restored sixteen Renaissance houses in Antwerp and today is a major presence in all things design. Known for his unique archaeological pieces, oriental sculptures, 18th-century furniture, 20th-century design and contemporary art, his work shares a common quality of intrinsic purity and timeless beauty. 

Head of Eros from Roman Empire, lst century BC – lst century AD

Large layered alabaster vase from Egypt, Third Intermediate Period, XXlst-XXVth Dynasty


 

Galerie KREO

Highly regarded as one of the most influential design galleries, Galerie kreo is known for its “laboratory-space” which is dedicated to producing limited edition contemporary pieces by design luminaries such as Pierre Charpin, Jaime Hayon, Jasper Morrison, Marc Newson and Martin Szekely to name a few. The Parisian-based gallery also specializes in Italian and French lighting from the 1940s-1980s as well as vintage lighting from the 1950s to the present day, featuring pieces from Gino Sarfatti, Tito Agnoli, Jacques Biny and Pierre Paulin. 

Hymy black and white Round Coffee Table by Jaime Hayon, 2018

Mentolato by Jaime Hayon, 2018


 

Jousse Entreprise

Owner Philippe Jousse of Jousse Enterprise has a passion for 20th-century furniture which is reflected in his Rue de Seine gallery. Featuring the works of Jean Royère, Mathieu Matégot, Pierre Jeanneret and Le Corbusier, Jousse has played an integral role in introducing collectors worldwide to French furniture created by architects and contemporary art from the 1950s to the 1970s.

 “Presidence” desk of oak, bent steel and aluminum by Jean Prouvé, circa 1950

Andre Borderie Ceramic Coffee Table 1950's


 

Laffanour – Galerie Downtown

Opened in Paris in 1982, Galerie Downtown’s owner François Laffanour’s goal was to bring the work of Le Corbusier, Jean Prouvé, Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret to the forefront and has been associated with high-end architect furniture ever since. He is also known for mixing post-war designs with contemporary furniture (lighting, furniture and ceramics) by noted artists such as Choi Byung Hoon, Ettore Sottsass and Ron Arad. 

 “Cadeira Do Rei” Armchair by Jose Zanine Caldas, circa 1980

Polar Bear Sofa by Jean Royére, circa 1955