Every year in May, Londoners and out-of-Londoners flock to the capital to enjoy the city at its best - the flowers are in bloom, the air is warm, and one of its prettiest neighbourhoods, Chelsea, comes alive with events. Alongside the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, which sees garden-lovers arriving by the hundreds, the Chelsea Barracks Spring Fair is fast becoming a firm fixture on any design-lover's calendar. The former army barracks-turned residential development throws open its doors for one week between May 22 - 25, during which time it plays host to a plethora of exciting talks, exhibitions, pop-ups and events. The perfect summer day out, here's what we're most looking forward to.
Gaze Burvill opens its first showroom
Mastering the art of chic garden furniture is no mean feat. One company perfecting it is Gaze Burvill, whose collections of covetable oak pieces - ranging from dining sets and modular furniture to sun loungers and benches - are all made in the UK. Until now, shoppers could explore the ranges on an appointment-only visit to the workshop-cum-showroom in Hampshire, but last month the brand opened its first London showroom in Garrison Square. Flanked by an exhibition space and the recently restored, grade II listed Garrison Chapel, this picturesque, sun-soaked spot is the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon of shopping.
The Artisan Market returns with delightful pop-ups
A selection of carefully curated, independent interior design brands will be popping-up once again in the Barracks, offering visitors the chance to discover new brands (or revisit old favourites). This year, this includes Sharland England, the ever-so-stylish furniture and accessories brand founded in 2020 by the former fashion editor-at-large for Glamour magazine, Louise Roe.
An unmissable programme of talks
The stylist Noni Ware will be joined on stage by Louise Roe, the broadcaster and founder of Sharland England. Taking place at 4.30pm on May 22 in the Garrison Chapel, the talk will cover all things interiors - providing important tips on how to curate a space which feels distinctly comfortable yet stylish. Meanwhile, green-fingered visitors will be delighted to hear that Clare Foster, House & Garden's Garden Editor, will be sitting down with RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold medal winners Jo Thompson and Tom Massey (the winner of our Responsible Design award for gardens this year) and garden designer Sean Pritchard. The event is taking place on Friday May 24 at 5pm, and represents an opportunity to learn from the very best - whether that's about approaching the design of your own garden to ensuring that you are planting in the most sustainable way possible. Tickets to both events can be booked through eventbrite.
Network with interior designers from The List by House & Garden
Between 2 - 4pm on May 22, The Campaner restaurant in the heart of Garrison Square is throwing open its doors to members of The List: House & Garden's indispensable directory for design professionals. Throughout the afternoon, visitors can network with ten interior designers who are members of The List. Whether you use the opportunity to make valuable connections, or simply solve that interior design mystery which has been puzzling you, now's the time to do it.
Enjoy a sculpture exhibition
Making the most the abundance of outdoor space (and beautifully manicured gardens), each year the Barracks builds a sculpture trail which visitors can enjoy throughout the summer. This year's exhibition, 'Chihuly at Chelsea Barracks' will see a series of works in glass by the American artist Dale Chihuly, and will run until October 2024. Placed throughout the Barracks, the brightly coloured, intricate pieces will sit boldly against the backdrop of the surrounding residences' classical architecture.
Entry to the fair is free, though the events are ticketed and can be booked via eventbrite.co.uk
