Friday Favourites LAPADA Arts and Antiques Fair- 2017

The annual LAPADA Art & Antiques Fair is the leading showcase for art and antiquities on an international level and has grown to become one of the most prestigious events in the London social calendar. The Amazing Blog has been a huge fan of the fair since its inception in 2009, as it brings 100 exhibitors together to present work from across the art, antiques, design, and decorative arts spectrum. The authenticity of all these exhibitors is assured by the 70-member specialist committee who approve each item before the show begin. 

We love the variety of what is featured at the fair, from ornate furniture, to delicate jewels, to eye-catching pieces of art, the fair has it all. It is an entirely unique London event that brings together a vast collection of sought-after pieces that are bound to appeal to all; whether you are a first-time buyer or a collector, or a hoarder of the finer things. With prices varying from an affordable £500 to a more eyebrow raising £500,000 the fair is filled with goodies certain to please you and have a place in your home. 

LAPADA will be held at Berkeley Square between the 15th and 20th of September. A ticket will cost you £20 for entry during between the 15th and 20th, whereas a collectors ticket will get you in the day before and only costs £65.00.

The London Evening Standard Food Month - Night Market

If you want to sample a diverse and exciting range of London’s favourite restaurants and street food the London Evening Standard Food Month's Night Market is a must-see. Located at Perks Field, Kensington, the Night Market runs from Wednesday, June 7 to Sunday, June 18. Delicious food in an iconic London location is certainly not an opportunity we here at The Amazing Blog would miss. Pop over after work and spend a lovely evening exploring London's food, or visit on the weekend in the day or the evening.

There is an exciting array of cuisines on offer, from Turkish to Taiwanese, to African, to Japanese, to Texan BBQ and of course the best of British. The market even caters for vegans, with indulgent vegan churros and ice-cream on offer. This is your opportunity to sample food from some of London’s favourite restaurants, such as Asia de Cuba, Patty & Bun, Mews of Mayfair and The Ivy. The opportunity to sample food from Britain’s best chefs, such as Angela Hartnett, Fergus Henderson and Claude Bosi, along with top international chefs including Dan Hunter, Ana Ros and David Thompson, is one that doesn’t come around very often. Browse the mouth-watering line-up here.

Not only does the Night Market showcase intriguing food, but you can also explore art installations and entertainment, such as DJs, live music, Westfield Open-Air Cinema and themed pop-up bars from Ketel One Vodka and Cobra Beer. You can take part in a Q&A by creative director Grace Dent discussing important topics such as fighting food waste and supporting social inclusion. You will be served some serious food for thought here. While Londoners and visitors indulge in the delicious food, Massimo Bottura, the founder of Food for Soul has partnered with London Food Month and is launching a community soup kitchen. This is a cause everyone can learn more about, and help support.

You are bound to have a fun-filled (and food-filled!) night. As Grace Dent puts it, ‘We’ll be eating the entire world, in one city’. We’re in.

Purchase tickets here for £15 for adults, £8 for children and £35 for a family pass. These allow access to the food stalls, bars and entertainment. You can add on tickets to Westfield Open-Air Cinema at checkout, for £4 for adults and £2 for children. See timings of the Night Market here.

The London Original Print Fair - Friday Favourite

We, here at The Amazing Blog, are always on the hunt for fabulous, unique and special events around the capital for you to enjoy and this week is no different. For four days only (!) The Royal Academy of Arts is hosting the London Original Print Fair, London’s longest-running art fair. It is full of beautiful, whimsical and thought-provoking prints that you won’t be able to tear your eyes away.

This fair offers a remarkable opportunity to experience and appreciate works from every period of printmaking. From the earliest woodcuts of Dürer to the silk screens of modern contemporaries, this fair gives insight into the evolution and changing fashions of the print world. Allowing, the seasoned enthusiast, curious viewer or budding collector to all share an experience and develop a greater understanding and appreciation of this artistic method.

The exhibition is an eclectic mix of styles and artists, as renowned pieces are placed alongside new names. The variety in this print fair is breath-taking and if you don’t believe us or want to have a sneak peek then just check out their exhibitors. What's more, if you love fall in love with one of the prints, then you may even be able to purchase it for yourself! So whether you want to add to your art collection, are thinking of starting one or just want to go for a look, you will love this exhibition. With it closing on Sunday you can purchase tickets here! They are free for Friends of the RA, £12 for adults and free for under 16s!

Chelsea Art Fair

The Chelsea Art Fair is turning 21 this year! We at The Amazing Blog are quite big fans of the arts, so we will definitely be making our way over to Chelsea Old Town Hall between the 21st and 24th of April.

The fair will feature 30 UK and International galleries showcasing the works of leading and emerging artists including paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, and ceramics. With no ceiling on the price of the works, this fair is sure to have the most exceptional pieces.

If you’re looking for a special new piece for your home or a limited edition print, head over to Chelsea Old Town Hall. Admission tickets are priced at £6. Be sure to see their website for more information!  

White Dove and Wonder

At The Amazing Blog we love when old and vintage products are restored and transformed into works of art. When we discovered the innovative brand White Dove and Wonder we were enthralled with their brilliant creations. White Dove and Wonder specialises in creating quirky art by taking vintage shoe lasts from the 1930’s and using them to create handmade wooden designs that are then turned into shelves, tables or bookends. These pieces are highly sophisticated and will surely attract the attention of your friends and family.

When the creator, Susan Gaston, inherited tons of vintage shoe lasts from her family business she knew she could use them to help create something unique. She’s given them a new lease on life by using them to help create her White Dove and Wonder pieces, such as the bookends seen above. Each shoe last design is hand-crafted and stained with an elegant finish. And while no two shoe lasts look identical, you can be sure that your purchase is truly one of a kind. White Dove and Wonder creations are perfect for those of you who are passionate about interiors and home stuff, especially if your taste gravitates towards the quirky side of the spectrum.

You can order your very own Susan Gaston's creations from the brand's website. White Dove & Wonder prices start at £40 - even if the price tags are a bit spendy you'll still be in awe at the gorgeous art this talented designer has created.