Line Up: Top stylist’s exhibition opens in Devon

Line Up is an exhibition of contemporary hand-made objects, curated by interior stylist and author Sania Pell. First on show at London’s Flow gallery, the exhibition has now reached Devon, and reveals the art of interior design as seen in magazines such as Wallpaper and Elle Decoration.

Inspiration for the show derived from the collections at Kettle’s Yard historic house and gallery (Cambridge), where curator Jim Ede integrated his own art and craft collections into the setting of his domestic home. The 17 artists Pell has selected are frequently featured in her editorial shoots. Her ensembles reflect stylish home interiors rather than typical objects in a gallery. The pieces are mainly set on shelves, coloured only black and white - but subtly varied and individual. Nicolas Tassie’s stoneware jugs are both functional and very contemporary. For him, a product’s design is about usability: ‘it’s accessible, well-crafted, well-designed, and my life is enriched by using it.’ There are enamel and copper plates by award-winning designer Astrid Keller whose work has featured in the Saatchi Gallery. Theo Adamson and Silvia K are makers of kitchenware and clay vessels which explore folklore and ancestry from their African and Slovekian heritage. Their products not only carry a specific meaning or history but become part of everyday living as well. Much is experimental in design, such as Brooke Segal’s natural water-filtering ceramics which use organic biodegradable methods and Another Country’s ethically produced sustainable furniture.

The show also reveals the thoughtful art behind interior styling, for Pell in particular the tradition of still life painting. There’s a clear focus on composition, limited colour range, the pattern and texture of the objects and how they interact. Line Up will be fascinating for students of interior design, collectors and makers, painters and photographers - and anyone who appreciates home décor and finding inspiration for displaying objects you really love, in your home.

Exhibition is free admission. Open daily, 10am-5.30pm.
Private View 6-8pm, Friday 15 January. Book for food 01626 832223

Exhibitors: Another Country, Theo Adamson, Kyra Cane, Jason Collingwood, Bettina Dittlmann, Akiko Hirai, Hyu-jin Jo, Silvia K, Astrid Keller, Sue Lawty, Liz Nilsson, Sania Pell, Brook Sigal, Kaori Tatebayashi, Nicola Tassie, Dr Tim Willey and Derek Wilson.

Sania Pell is an established interiors stylist, creative director, author and former textile designer from London. She is known for her creative art direction and bringing a unique aspect to styling photographic shoots for publications such as Elle Decoration, the Observer and Sunday Telegraph, as well as leading brands. She is the author of best-selling books Homemade Home and Homemade Home for Children and her website has been listed in the Top 50 interiors websites.

Saturday 16 January - Sunday 6 March
Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Bovey Tracey, Devon TQ13 9AF

See www.crafts.org.uk for details of exhibitions and events.

Open daily, 10am-5.30pm. Free entry. 01626 832223
Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Riverside Mill, Bovey Tracey, Devon TQ13 9AF

Image: Photograph by Beth Evans of Sania Pell's styled collection of ceramic work by Akiko Hirai, Hyu-jin Jo & Kaori Tatebayashi