LA Modernism Show 2014 opening night party benefiting P.S. ARTS.

Los Angeles’ Modernist roots run deep so it’s no surprise that one of the city’s top design fairs boasts a pretty incomparable cache of twentieth century treasures. According to exhibitor Nick Batchelder of Archive, “The fact that noted galleries like Hauser Wirth & Schimmel and Parrasch Heijnen are opening up locations in Los Angeles illustrates what we have already known, LA is a major city in the global art market. This translates into the design world as well. Some of the world's best design galleries are located in Los Angeles and LA20/21 is the perfect opportunity to showcase this.”

Now in its 29th year, LA20/21: Los Angeles Modern Design Show & Sale (formerly the Los Angeles Modernism Show & Sale) is building on its strong mid-century foundation and introducing a curated selection of contemporary art and design (hence the name change). Held at 3Labs Studio, a striking event space in Culver City’s Hayden Tract Arts District, LA20/21 will feature forty exhibitors offering furniture, lighting, art, jewelry, and decor from a range of modern movements. Among this year’s must-see dealers are The 2nd House Objects Inc., who will be exhibiting at the show for the first time, Archive, RoyLe, Bridges Over Time, Danish Modern NoHo, and Gallery 925.

A Paul Evans PE31 table clad in copper, bronze, and pewter with a natural cleft slate top. Manufactured for Directional, c. 1970s. Offered by The 2nd House Objects.

A favorite among mid-century design enthusiasts, including collectors and interior designers, LA20/21 will feature important works by some of the era’s most influential designers. The 2nd House Objects is taking its first year at the show as an opportunity to spotlight some of its finest occasional tables. A Paul Evans PE31 table clad in copper, bronze, and pewter with a natural cleft slate top will be on view alongside a sleek and stylish Karl Springer end table in polished brass with a zebrawood top and an Art Deco low table by the French designer Jules Leleu.

Sculptural entertainment center by Brother Mel Meyer (1928-2013), steel and stained concrete. Signed and dated 1978. Offered by RoyLe.

Daniel Antonini of RoyLe, who will be celebrating the opening of his gallery’s new Palm Springs outpost at LA20/21, looks forward to connecting with the fair’s knowledgeable attendees. “We always love to build new relationships and friendships with designers and clients,” he says. RoyLe will be exhibiting an ample white leather sofa by Roche Bobois and a sculptural entertainment center in steel and stained concrete by the St. Louis-based artist Brother Mel Meyer. Antonini says, “The incredible piece was designed by Brother Mel for a vinyl enthusiast. It can hold multiple components and several vinyls...Brother Mel’s work not only reflects numerous travels, but also an ever-expanding ability to create art in a variety of media.”

A Long Chair by George Nakashima. Offered by Archive.

In Archive’s booth, American studio furniture will be beautiful represented. In addition to a sculptural yet spare walnut table by Sam Maloof, an elegant Long Chair by George Nakashima will be on display. A geometric, glass-topped coffee table by Milo Baughman will also be on view. Together, the works, which remain decidedly stylish by today’s standards, serve as a testament to mid-century furniture’s enduring appeal.       

Architectural leather bench by Karl Springer. Offered by Danish Modern NoHo.

John Cruz of Danish Modern NoHo, who has been exhibiting at LA20/21 for three years, says, “The show is in a great city for design and there are always talented dealers exhibiting. People really have a terrific opportunity to see some amazing items.” Danish Modern NoHo will showcase a pair of lounge chairs by Ib Kofod Larsen, an early leather chair and ottoman by Finn Juhl, and a leather bench by Karl Springer. Cruz says, “The bench is very architectural—it has simple lines, but amazing detail to it. It’s also one of the rarest pieces designed by Springer.”

LA20/21: Los Angeles Modern Design Show & Sale will kick off on Friday, May 13, with an Opening Night Party benefitting the Los Angeles Conservancy. LA20/21 show producer Rosemary Krieger, President of Dolphin Promotions, says, “We are excited to team with the Los Angeles Conservancy, an organization dedicated to preserving the best examples of modern design and architecture in this community, and believe that LA20/21: Los Angeles Modern Design Show & Sale, which presents important modern furniture, decorative and fine arts of the twentieth century as well as limited contemporary twenty-first century design, offers a perfect environment in which to emphasize the importance of their mission.”

LA20/21 will run through Sunday, May 15. For more information about the show, please click HERE.