You'd be mad to miss it: the best art and design events for Londoners this August 2017 include the Serpentine Pavillion and a bespoke furniture fair in Cheltenham
SERPENTINE PAVILION 2017. DESIGNED BY FRANCIS KÉRÉ
Until October 8, Kensington Gardens, W2. Free; serpentinegalleries.org
With openings all around and walls of blue timber blocks in a pattern of triangles, there’s a myriad of peepholes at this year’s Serpentine Pavilion, above. The slatted wooden roof filters sunlight and is open in the middle to the sky, inspired by the central tree, a meeting point in the African village where architect Francis Kéré grew up. When it rains, the water is funnelled downwards, a torrent framed by slender steel rods, draining away to irrigate the park. Also see Grayson Perry’s free adjacent The Most Popular Art Show Ever! until September 10.
ANIMAL, VEGETABLE AND MINERAL
Running until September 9 at The New Craftsmen, 34 North Row, W1; thenewcraftsmen.com
This elegant Mayfair gallery believes craft is a luxury — not for its price, but for its beauty and rarity. The building has a striking white façade pierced by large windows with grids of square mullions, and boldly dated 1891 in an arty-crafty script. Inside, the airy former leather workshop has a super-summery show, a collector’s heaven with 25 craftspeople on parade, 17 of them new discoveries for the gallery. Pride of place goes to Memory Chain, above, a sculpture by Anastasya Martynova, its giant links carved from a single chunk of pine.
Browse macramé pot hangers, handmade knives, modernist rugs, a wooden bench/table, silk-lined woollen pencil cases knitted in one piece and many ceramics, with prices from £35 for a toast rack. Take away what you buy. Workshops, £50, are on August 12, 19, and 26.
THE LEARNED SOCIETY OF EXTRA ORDINARY OBJECTS
Until September 3 at Somerset House, WC2. Free; somersethouse.org.uk
Suspend your disbelief and enter the world of The Learned Society of Extra Ordinary Objects, curated by designer Carl Clerkin and artist Danny Clarke. The Terrace Rooms are the HQ of the imagined Learned Society for this design exhibition inspired by the history of Somerset House, where Royal Academicians and Royal Society members would discuss advancements in their various fields. Thirty contemporary designers, artists and makers help us to explore different ways of engaging with everyday objects through creative design.
BREATHING COLOUR BY HELLA JONGERIUS
Until September 24 at The Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High Street, W8; designmuseum.org
Share the imagination, emotions and long-time research of Dutch designer Hella Jongerius, whose bright sofas and chairs are outside. Indoors, a show that’s more installation art than design includes “colour catchers” — faceted sculptures, above, set against 10 panels that progress from light to dark, echoing the shapes in front of them. Adults £10.50; concs £8; children £5.50 — under-6s go free.
DAY OUT: CELEBRATION OF CRAFTSMANSHIP & DESIGN, CHELTENHAM
August 19-28, Thirlestaine Long Gallery, Bath Road, Cheltenham; celebrationofcraftsmanship.com
Love fine furniture and considering a commission? Here is a show worth leaving London for, at neoclassical Thirlestaine Long Gallery set in the elegant surroundings of Cheltenham Spa. See more than 300 pieces from 70 British workshops, including the Retrospect sideboard, above, by Bristol’s Alan Flannery, at the UK’s largest show of contemporary bespoke designer-maker furniture. Tickets, £6. Catalogue £5.