Paris' leading design gallery has quietly opened its doors in London's Mayfair. Galerie Kreo's new outpost is located on Hay Hill, in the heart of an art and design cluster, surrounded by Sprüth Magers, Carpenters Workshops Gallery and David Gill, among others.
'The opportunity to acquire this fantastic space presented itself to us not long ago, and we did not hesitate to take it,' explains Clémence Krzentowski, who (with partner Didier) founded the gallery in 1999, turning it into one of Paris' top proponents of collectible design. 'We are keeping the same editorial line for the London space, which is to remain a research laboratory for the designers, and present the best of contemporary creations from our designers.'
Like in Paris, the London outpost will present works from the likes of Pierre Charpin, Doshi Levien and Jasper Morrison, alongside a collection of vintage lighting and furniture. The space includes a street-facing area for exhibition displays, while a more intimate 'Salon' is located at the back of the gallery.
With a celebration for the opening planned for September, the London debut is for now a low-key affair, with a small edit of lighting pieces aptly titled 'A Light Introduction'. 'We believe the London scene is very international,' the Krzentowskis add, 'and it provides for us a wonderful platform to promote our designer's work.'
Left: Alessandro Mendini's golden mosaic lamp from his 'Mobili per Uomo' ('Furniture for Man') collection, featuring Bisazza's mosaics, and Wieki Somers' 'Frozen' lamp. Right: the brick facade of the new gallery on Hay Hill
Other lamps featured in the show include Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec's blue 'Bells' and Pierre Charpin's 'Mini Eclipse' piece in white. At the entrance, visitors are greeted by Wieki Somers' 'Gi (Right decision)' from the studio's Mitate Collection
The gallery displays a mix of contemporary design and vintage pieces from its archives
Currently on display at the back of the gallery is François Bauchet's 'Cuzco' storage, a pair of 1950s lamps by Agnoli Tito and the 'G Mirror' by Pierre Charpin. On the left is a 1950s mirror by Gio Ponti and a pair of rare Pierre Paulin's 'Elysée' lamps
One side of the gallery features a more domestic set-up, reflecting the eclectic nature of the gallery. Here, 1950s chairs and a sofa by Gérard Guermonprez are combined with a Bisazza mosaic coffee table by Pierre Charpin. 'Cellae H2-6' shelving by François Bauchet holds a light screen by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, while Jean-Baptiste Fastrez's resin mirror hangs on the wall next to a round Gino Sarfatti vintage illuminating mirror from the 1970s
ADDRESS
Galerie Kreo
14a Hay Hill
London
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