Each season in the world of design brings a series of recurring events I eagerly anticipate every year. October is a significant month as I look forward to The San Francisco Fall Show, the west coast’s leading arts and antiques fair. This show features over 40 international dealers, a renowned lecture series, and top notch programming. Fall in San Francisco is always wonderful as the heavy marine layer typically dissipates enough to welcome beautiful sunrises and sunsets, Sacramento Street still has makers and retailers we love — and, it’s just being home at my Mother’s home that is grounding like no other place on earth.
Akin to many other design events, I enjoy attending the SF Fall Show as it helps keep my eye fresh, whilst providing a great exercise in making connections with experts in the field. Given that I integrate so many antique pieces in my work, this show is especially valuable. Learning from antiques dealers who have a passion for their finds is incredibly important to me. This event is also particularly notable because it creates a celebratory atmosphere — I adore meeting old and new friends! The attendees are often the best part.
Speaking of a celebratory atmosphere, my senses are still humming from the most special dinner I attended with de Gournay, where the company and space made it utterly divine. The tablescape I still see in my dreams — piled high with seasonal fruit, dozens of garnet colored tapers on antique silver candlesticks, beautiful tableware, and chatter and laughter so loud you needed to practically shout in conversation. The walls were glad in the warmest berry-colored pietra dura creating the most intimate glow. Our hostess, Hannah Cecil Gurney, was equally memorable — her energy and countenance are a testament to the success of her family’s company.
As I returned to my studio after my travels, I reflected on my wonderful experiences with so many dealers I adore working with. Jim Gallagher at Garden Court and Epoca remembers every single piece he’s ever sold. I have a really great memory for our pieces - but was blown away when he mentioned a lovely daily bread porcelain platter I purchased for a dear client in 2018. That’s passion! He really cares about the manner of shipping, the arrival and install of every piece he sells.
James Sansum’s antiques stand out in my mind as well. His eye for art, upholstery, case pieces- they all harmonize in such a livable but transformative way. His booth just has an energy! Even when I see his pieces in a photograph — there is something special— using antiques in a fresh way is very important to my own point of view — I can’t think of anything more inspiring.
I am grateful to everyone that helped make this show so memorable. The SF Fall Show is a great one to support as the city continues to evolve and shift in better ways. Here’s to next year!
