Design destination: MODERNITY

For vintage mavens in the know, Stockholm gallery Modernity has been a pilgrimageworthy destination since it opened 22 years ago. Dealing in high-quality and often rare originals by leading Scandinavian designers, it’s a regular at the most distinguished art and design fairs across Europe and in the US. London-based collectors now have the chance to peruse its immaculately chosen pieces closer to home at a new exhibition space in Marylebone. A showcase of 20th-century Swedish, Finnish and Danish design, the selection spans furniture, lighting, ceramics, glass and textiles in eight rooms. Highlights include seating by the revered ‘father of Modern Danish design’, Kaare Klint, brass wall lamps by celebrated Finnish designer Paavo Tynell and upholstery by Børge Mogensen, with many of the pieces commissioned for specific projects, making them all the more tantalising. ‘Everything we sell has a history; we know where it comes from, how it was crafted, the materials used and provenance relating to the designers, past owners or exhibitions they were made for,’ explains Andrew Duncanson, co-owner and founder of Modernity. Open until the end of October, the exhibition occupies a palatial building that has been stripped back to expose its period features and faded grandeur – a fitting setting for the brand’s curated edit of pieces. Open by appointment, 14 Cavendish Square, W1 (modernity.se).

‘EVERYTHING WE SELL HAS A HISTORY; WE KNOW WHERE IT COMES FROM, HOW IT WAS CRAFTED AND THE MATERIALS USED’