LAPADA recognises Excellence at Berkeley Square Fair

LAPADA, the UK’s largest association of art and antiques dealers, is proud to announce the rebranding of its distinguished Selection Committee as the LAPADA Excellence Awards Committee, ahead of the upcoming LAPADA Berkeley Square Fair this October.

The newly titled LAPADA Excellence Awards mark an exciting evolution for the Fair, celebrating the most exceptional pieces and presentations across a range of categories. Recognised as London’s leading art and antiques event and the only one supported by a major trade association, LAPADA Berkeley Square Fair brings together many of the world’s most respected dealers and galleries for a curated presentation of fine art, antiques, design and jewellery.

The Excellence Awards are designed to highlight works of outstanding cultural, historical, and aesthetic value, and set the tone for the Fair’s standards of connoisseurship, taste, and authenticity.

During the new selection process, the initial shortlist of objects will be compiled by LAPADA’s expert Vetting Committee during their assessment of the Fair on Tuesday 28 October. Each group of vetters will nominate up to three outstanding objects per category, alongside nominations for Best Stand and Outstanding Object of the Fair.

The newly formed LAPADA Excellence Awards Committee will comprise a select panel of influential tastemakers, curators, collectors, and leaders from the art and luxury worlds. Together, they will tour the Fair, led by Lord de Mauley, Chairman of LAPADA, and Kate Gordon, Founder of London Art Studies they will engage with dealers, and select winners in categories ranging from fine art and jewellery to decorative arts and ceramics.

The final voting and winner selection will take place on Wednesday 29 October.

Award Categories Include:

  • Fine Art (including prints and photography)
  • Sculpture
  • Furniture (including clocks and lighting)
  • Silver (including objets de vertu)
  • Antique & Vintage Jewellery (including watches)
  • Haute Jewellery (contemporary fine jewellery and watches)
  • Ceramics & Glass
  • Best Stand
  • Outstanding Object of the Fair

Judging Criteria:

Committee members will assess objects and stands based on:

  • Historical importance and provenance
  • Craftsmanship and technical skill
  • Artistic or cultural significance
  • Rarity and uniqueness
  • Presentation and contextual display (Best Stand category)

Winners of the LAPADA Excellence Awards will be announced during the Fair at a presentation conducted by LAPADA CEO, Elizabeth Shanks.

This rebrand reflects a new chapter in the evolution of LAPADA Fair, reinforcing its commitment to excellence, education, and thought leadership in the global art and antiques market.