The House Directory LIVE at The Decorative Fair 7-12 May

There will be talks hosted by Interiors Journalist, Busola Evans, with special guests including Edward Bulmer, Cox London and Catchpole & Rye. There will be daily demos and workshops to enjoy and you can also pick up your free copy of County & Town House magazine!

NOTE* Although all events listed below are free, you will also require admission to the Fair, which can be booked here (Price range £0-20).

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Talks, Workshops & Demonstrations:

Tues 7th May: opening day

Opening Day - Panel Talks hosted by Busola Evans

2:30pm – How to buy and use antiques in interior design

Vintage and reclamation pieces have never been so popular but how do you incorporate them into a modern-day scheme? Our expert panel share their insight

featured guests: Edward Bulmer (Edward Bulmer Natural Paint); Amy Eld (Rock the Heirloom); Sara Morel (Salvo)

4pm – The rise of modern craft in interiors

As craft enjoys a resurgence, we speak to experts about its impact in the industry and what pieces are worth investing in

featured guests: Maddie Ainsworth (Cox London); Jade Ilke (Craftworks Show); Candice Lau (The Creative Dimension Trust - Maker/Tutor)

BOOK YOUR FAIR ENTRY TICKET FOR OPENING DAY

Weds 8th May:

Natasha Hulse - Appliqué Design Demo

Come to take a closer look at Hulse’s work combining traditional art techniques with a modern approach to appliqué design. Natasha creates three-dimensional, fabric artworks that are then upholstered onto walls and pieces of furniture. Each piece is considered to be a one-of-a-kind heirloom. Everything is made to order in the UK.

2-4pm - Franklin & Hare - Upholstery Demo

Join Franklin & Hare for an up-close demonstration of their traditional upholstery skills. Ask questions about the re-upholstery process, materials and services.

Thurs 9th May:

4pm - How an Artist and Dealer Collaborate with Harald Altmaier X Vagabond

In conversation with Fine Art Photographer Harald Altmaier and Antiques Dealer Joe Chaffer (Vagabond). Come along to see Harald's works up close, find out about the creative process and collaboration between artist and dealer to create these extraordinary artworks.

6pm - The Marriage of Light and Art with John Cullen Lighting X DKT Artwork

Join us as we delve into the relationship between light and art. Led by Luke Thomas, Design Director at John Cullen Lighting and DKT Artworks, this session will unveil tips and techniques for how carefully considered lighting can be used to define a viewer's visual experience of art. We’ll explore DKT Artworks' mesmerising 'Flora & Fauna' bas-relief piece, elevating your understanding of how light can enhance and bring a piece to life at night. Switches and lightbox for the demo, supplied by Forbes & Lomax.

Fri 10th May:

The Creative Dimension Trust (TCDT) - Makers Arena Takeover

12 noon - Flower Drawing Techniques with International Fresco Painter, Sarah Hocombe.

Sarah is a fresco painter and illustrator, with a special interest in silhouettes. Her illustration work has featured on products for well-known brands. Sarah is an experienced Creative Dimension Trust Tutor, and was a Visiting Lecturer at UAL for many years.

2pm - The Art of Passementerie with Wendy Cushing

Learn about the fascinating endangered craft of Passementerie - A talk and demonstration on the making of tassels and trimmings from one of the few remaining companies still producing trimmings for interior decorating and historical restoration. Wendy will be showing her restoration work for Windsor Castle and explaining the complexity of reproduing historical textiles. Shahnaz Aslam her assistant and tassel maker of 35 years will demonstrate how to make rosettes, tassels and tiebacks

4pm - Leatherworking with Candice Lau

Candice has a decade-long practice in leatherwork. From design and development, bespoke commissions, to teaching the art of traditional leathercraft.

Sat 11th May:

Elyse Vaudron – Marquetry demonstration

Come along to meet the talented conservator Elyse Vaudron demonstrating her marquetry skills in our makers arena. Specialising in the delicate restoration and conservation of furniture and decorative arts spanning the 16th to the 20th century. Elyse’s expertise includes veneer and boulle marquetry restoration, bronze cleaning, French polishing, waxed finishes, and more. When your fine antiques are in need of restoration, you’ll know who to call!

2pm - Clive Rogers - on making rugs in Turkey

Join Clive Rogers as he delves into the fascinating world of bespoke rugs. Discover the practical aspects of specifying, design development, sampling, and overseeing the meticulous weaving process in Turkey, all hands-on and tailored to meet a client's exacting requirements.

Sun 12th May:

Phyllis Clair Smith - Decorative Painting/Marbling Demonstration

Meet our resident decorative artist, Phyllis, with restoration experience in museums and churches, excels in replicating or repairing damage to marble, wood, or stone surfaces, whether genuine or painted. As a fine and decorative artist, she possesses a deep understanding of materials, crafting unique works such as verre églomisé, painted screens, bas-relief panels, and more. She is a QEST scholar of marbling and wood graining, trained under master painter Pierre Beaudry in London.

The Rug & Carpet Studio - To Restore or Conserve Rugs?

The Rug & Carpet Studio will be demonstrating and discussing where conservation is more appropriate than full restoration and the difference between the two. The restorers will be demonstrating various restoration techniques, including reweaving, repairing fringes and side cords, together with conservation techniques such as couching and support backings.

Throughout the week of events we will be collecting donations for our charity partner, The Creative Dimension Trust

Find out more about this wonderful charity initiative designed to give talented young people the skills and confidence to pursue a career in which core handcraft skills are a prerequisite. Workshops are taught by Craft Specialists who are acknowledged leaders in their professions. The goal is to learn, experiment, gain confidence, take inspiration from the best, and have exposure to career opportunities.

All events are free to attend for visitors to the Fair, but it is a good idea to reserve your space to avoid disappointment. Also, please ensure you have booked your entry to the Spring Fair. If you are on The House Directory mailing list, you will receive a code to request a free e-ticket.

BOOK YOUR TICKET TO THE SPRING FAIR

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The House Directory LIVE - Exhibitor List:

Clive Rogers – Stand M3 - Antique and fine handmade Bespoke Carpets along with Oriental and Occidental Textiles. Supply, Cleaning, Conservation, Collection, Curation & Analysis.

Franklin & Hare – Stand M4 - Quality bespoke upholstery,re-upholstery and handmade sustainable bespoke furniture by this family-run business.

Julie Kuyath – Stand M2 - Fine Art & private commissions, limited edition prints, unique wallpapers and fabrics, inspired by antiquity, mythology & symbolism.

Must Have Bins – Stand M7 - Everyday home accessories too good to hide

Phyllis Clair Smith – Stand M10 - artist experienced in a range of paint and plaster finishes; including marbling, wood graining, grisaille, polish plaster, gesso & bas relief.

Pret a Vivre – Stand M6 - Providing made-to-measure curtains and blinds since 1995. Offering a personalised service, focusing on curtains, blinds, and soft fabrics.

The Rug & Carpet Studio – Stand M9 - skilled, in-house restoration, conservation and cleaning for European and Oriental rugs and carpets.

Samarkand Design – Stand M5 - A stunning collection of lampshades and lamp bases is designed to illuminate, complement and enhance any style.

Simon Pugh - Stand M11 - A range of hand-made cushions in limited runs, sourcing smaller pieces of fabric from interior designers and associated trades.

UC Studio – Stand M10 - Decorative Objects from Natural Wonders - we create balanced compositions from butterflies and beetles, often displaying them in antique domes

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The House Directory – Stand M1 - The Original Online Sourcebook - Supplier Showcase

The House Directory is a community of like-minded brands and individuals united by a shared vision. Our goal is to promote longevity in interiors by encouraging well-considered design choices, we aim to champion collaboration, quality and craftsmanship, recognising that the creations of our talented makers will be treasures of the future.

The House Directory’s stand will showcase a selection of suppliers and brands from our membership community, including:

Bronzino - Classic planters in generous sizes , hand-made by artisans from solid sheet sheets of recycled copper, brass & zinc in a range of traditional foundry finishes .

Bruce Fine Papers - the family behind your next handmade wallpaper.

Coromandel Crewel - exclusive and exceptional hand-embroidered crewel fabrics at a surprisingly affordable price.

The Design Archives - Beautiful patterned and plain fabrics and wallpaper inspired by a treasured archive.

DKT Artwork - A unique multidisciplinary team creating bespoke decorative finishes & site-specific artworks.

Edward Bulmer Natural Paint - Beautiful, natural plastic free paints by leading interior designer, architectural historian and 'colour man', Edward Bulmer.

Forbes & Lomax - Elegant and innovative switches, sockets and dimmers in a variety of finishes to suit both traditional and contemporary interiors.

Natasha Hulse - A bespoke fabric artist within the field of interior design

Picture Frame TV - UK’s largest and most reviewed hidden TV manufacturer and supplier.

Retrouvius - Bringing salvaged, reclaimed, and vintage materials back into circulation through their shop and design studio.

Ruup & Form - A curatorial-led contemporary gallery based in London, working with material-led artists with a focus on suitability.

Wendy Cushing Passementerie - Handcrafted tassels, braids, fringes, tie-backs. Stock collections in silk, chenille, jute, wool, linen and cotton.

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For over 20 years, The House Directory has been the keeper of the best little black book of contacts for the decorating business. The essential tool for trade and public alike. Now you’ve found them, they will be your first port of call for sourcing interior designers, dealers, suppliers & services, products & makers. Est. 2001.

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New Book:

The Spring Fair celebrates the double book launch of The Restoration Guide alongside The Salvo Pocket Guide

Pick up The Restoration Guide, a book about restorers, craftspeople and reuse, in collaboration with Salvo, the marketplace for architectural antiques. Discover the longstanding community of Salvo Code businesses in the accompanying Salvo Pocket Guide. Discover the joy and environmental benefits of designing with what is already out there.

RESERVE FOR YOUR FREE DIGITAL COPY

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EVENT INFO:

Admission costs:

£20 p/p on opening day and £10 p/p on subsequent days

Free entry from 4pm daily

Opening Times:

Tuesday 7 May 12:00-20:00

Weds 8 - Thu 9 May 11:00-20:00

Fri 10 - Sat 11 May 11:00-19:00

Sunday 12 May 11:00-18:00

Free shuttles: Courtesy shuttles run between the Sloane Square Hotel and the Fair 4 x hour Travel info: Check travel details online at https://www.decorativefair.com/location/ Vehicle entry via Chelsea Gate (south side of Chelsea Bridge); limited parking on site

BOOK YOUR TICKET TO THE SPRING FAIR

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