Design Diary - February 2012

Keen on interiors, antique collecting and design, be sure not to miss these events.

Carrying the flame: silver candlesticks of the past three centuries (until 19 May), London Silver Vaults, WC2 - The 30+ specialist silver dealers have put together this selling exhibition of antique and modern silver. www.thesilvervaults.com

20/21 International Art Fair (16-19 Feb), Royal College of Art, Kensington Gore, London SW7 - International modern and contemporary art – oils, original prints, watercolours, drawings, photography and ceramics from 1900 to the present, with a very accessible price range. www.20-21intartfair.com

A Place to call Home: Where we live and why (16 Feb-28 Apr), Royal Institute of British Architects, 66 Portland Place, London W1B 1AD - Guest curated by Sarah Beeny, this exhibition charts the story of the design and appeal of everyday homes in the UK. It explores the advent of mass building from the late 18th century, through to the present day via suburban expansion and post-war experiment. www.architecture.com

Furniture Painting Workshop (18 Feb, 10-4), Decor Cafe, Putney SW15 - Homeware store West Egg is running a series of furniture painting workshops (there's another course on 16 March). Learn how to create an authentic French country look using chalk paints, with tips on preparation and choosing furniture, matching colours, distressing and waxing. It costs £125 with all materials, refreshments and a buffet lunch. www.westegg.co.uk

The Listed Property Show (18-19 Feb), Olympia 2, London - This event provides owners of listed buildings with access to the products and services of around 200 specialist suppliers. Plus information on VAT, grants, insurance etc. For details visit www.listedpropertyshow.co.uk

Luxury Antiques Weekend (24-26 Feb), Tortworth Court, Wotton-under-Edge, Glos - This ‘boutique-style' fair will feature specialist dealers in fine furniture, silver, jewellery, sculpture, paintings, oriental carpets, ceramics, book illustrations, prints, clocks, portrait miniatures, arms and armour, glass and other objets d'art. www.adfl.co.uk

Ceramic Art London (24-26 Feb), Royal College of Art, London SW7 - Discover and buy work from over 75 established and emerging ceramic artists. Plus talks and demonstrations. www.ceramics.org.uk

Alistair Erskine: A Royal Tour of Portugal, Spain & Morocco (29 Feb-9 March), James Harvey British Art, 15 Langton St, SW10 - Decorative artist Alistair Erskine accompanied the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall last spring as official tour artist. A chance to see the charming paintings from the oil sketches he executed on their travels. www.jamesharveybritishart.com

February 2012