PAD art fair London 2017, Berkeley Square

This October during Frieze week – when the art world descends on London – the renowned art and design fair PAD will once again be pitching its famous black tent in chic Berkeley Square, Mayfair. The six-day fair offers an eclectic mix of fine art and contemporary craftsmanship, making this the perfect event for any design connoisseur.

PAD (Pavilion of Art and Design) Fair had its first taste of the British capital's rich and vibrant culture scene when it crossed the Channel in 2007. Older sister PAD Paris had already been at the height of artistic excellence for more than a decade when London came calling.

There is a host of galleries – more than 67 at last count – and disciplines to discover at this year's PAD. Whether you're a cross-disciplinary collector or a collector of fine art, jewellery, antique furniture or contemporary ceramics, there will be something to spark your creative genius.

Amongst PAD 2017's object highlights are:

Photo credit Jacques Pepion. Copyright Oscar Graf Gallery. Courtesy of Oscar Graff

A mesmerising Christopher Dresser Claret Jug (above), 1885, exhibited by Oscar Graff, a Verde Guatemala Marble, Burr Oak Veneer geometric Fonteyn Chair designed by Brooksbank & Collins T at Gallery FUMI (A24) and a wonderfully unusual pair of Egyptian bonze eyes and brows dated Third Intermediate Period to Late Period Dynasty XXI - XXX, exhibited at Peter Petrou (A5).

In terms of gallery stands, it's worth making a beeline for Phoenix Ancient Art (B18), which will be showcasing exquisite rarities from the classical Greek, Roman and Byzantine periods, and London-based Gallery FUMI (A24), whose futuristic interior designs will inspire a thoroughly contemporary home aesthetic.

The Sarah Myerscough Gallery stand (A6) – a South London dealer specialised in contemporary wood design – is tipped to be one of the strongest at PAD London 2017, with a brilliant selection of new works by Helen Carnac and David Gates, Christopher Duffy and Ernst Gambrel on display. This year will also see Italy’s power galleries DIMORE and Rossana Orlandi participate for the first time – both are well worth a frisk.

John Makepeace,Trine Organic Collection, 2017. The Sarah Myerscough Gallery

This year’s PAD jury is a stellar cast composed of prominent industry figures including Tom Dixon, Jasper Conran and Honary Presidents, Yana Peel, the newly appointed CEO of Serpentine Galleries, Joy Henderiks and Marie-Laure Jousset. The Jury select the winners of the three influential PAD Prizes, offered annually for the Best Contemporary Design, Best 20th Century Design and Best Stand. We wait with baited breath to hear who this year's winners are....

PAD has true Parisian sophistication at its very heart. But the cutting-edge innovation and diversity of London proves that the capital is the perfect place to host such a prestigious annual festival. It's a must-do, even during Frieze.

*Opening Hours

Monday 2 October – Collectors Preview 11am - 8pm
Tuesday 3 October – VIP Opening 11am - 8pm
Wednesday 4 - Saturday 7 October 11am - 8pm
Sunday 8 October 11am - 6pm