Five things to see in January: this month's top design events, fairs and art exhibitions in London

From architecture that tackles flooding to an exhibition celebrating Cornish makers, here's what's on in the capital this month. Follow Barbara Chandler on Instagram @sunnygran
George Steinmetz/Hollandse Hoogte
Barbara Chandler10 March 2020

1. Sea Change

Flood-resilient Architecture for the 21st Century. Feb 1 until May 16, Station Court, Townmead Road, SW6 (020 7610 9503; rocalondongallery.com)

“Would all owners of small craft please register with the council.” That was a notice in the public library in Chiswick in the Seventies when homes next to the river were regularly flooded.

In 1982 the Thames Barrier, 520 metres wide, was installed to protect against storm surges and high tides from the North Sea.

The Thames Barrier will need renewing in 2030. See plans for this and other ideas by architects to mitigate increasing incidents of flooding exacerbated by climate change with rising sea levels.

One in six UK homes is currently vulnerable to flooding.

Could floating homes be an answer, like the ones at Waterwoningen, Amsterdam, by architects Marlies Rohmer?

2. The Ultimate Interior Design Sale

Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, Lots Road, SW10 (dcch.co.uk)

This clutch of high-end décor showrooms in three glassy domes oozes luxury and prices are normally high.

Now’s your chance to buy into this glam world with up to 80 per cent off at 30 showrooms.

We like the Oomph outdoor collection with 35 per cent off. The white Ocean Drive coffee table was £1,094, now £710.

3. Chance Encounters: Gallery FUMI

Until Jan 31 at 2 Hay Hill, Mayfair, W1 (020 7490 2366; galleryfumi.com)

An exhibition of 14 avant-garde designers features chunky rough-hewn furniture with a glossy black finish by Max Lamb and a slimline table by Lara Bohinc, also a Londoner.

Don’t miss her Rising Moon Table in Cypress wood, or her Three As One containers in Katsura tree wood, with urushi lacquering.

4. Assemble 20

Jan 21-Feb 1 at 54 The Gallery, Shepherd Market, Mayfair, W1 (07496 953471; tregonygallery.co.uk)

Cornwall, famed for its art and craft, was home to Barbara Hepworth, Bernard Leach and more.

Now artists Brian and Judi Green, who run the Tregony Gallery in Truro, will bring local painters and sculptors to Mayfair, presenting 70 works from £105.

We like Jennifer Pochinski’s painting, Hot Day, £1,950.

5. The Winter Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair

January 21-26, Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park, SW11. Tickets cost £10 on the door.

Register online for a free ticket for this Battersea fair with more than 160 dealers.

Get there early and beat the pro decorators ever on the prowl for furniture one-offs, lighting, mirrors, ceramics, glass and art.

You can find vintage glassware and mid-century ceramics from under £100, and a stunning early Queen Anne wingback armchair c1690-1700, newly covered in a rose fabric by Osborne & Little, for £3,850.

We like this resin and brass flamingo attributed to Antonio Pava, £950, and the larger Seventies brass/copper flamingo by Sergio Bustamante, £2,900 (Brownrigg).