EXPECT a new look at The LAPADA Art & Antiques Fair when it celebrates its fourth year in Berkeley Square, Mayfair, W1 from September 19 to 23.
In a joint initiative with Patrick Perrin’s chic Pavilion of Art & Design, which occupies the same green space in the middle of the square shortly after the LAPADA event, a completely new marquee has been designed for shared use by the two fairs.
Since the two fairs run back-to-back costs will be saved by both parties and it is thought the move will help secure a long term contract with Westminster City Council.
While everyone loves the Berkeley Square location there was some criticism last year of the internal layout of the flagship fair of LAPADA, the UK’s largest dealer association.
I am told the venue (which in parts will be two-tiered) will be virtually unrecognisable from past years with a smarter, sleeker and more stylish feel, very much along the lines of the Perrin fair.
However, Mieka Sywak (pictured above), who joined LAPADA as new fair organiser last November after helping establish Perrin’s Pavilion, assured me stand prices will remain the same as 2011.