Design World Converges On Fort Mason For Fall Art & Antique Show

Ken Fulk's vignette at the 2018 SF Fall Art & Antique Show — Ken Fulk’s vignette at the 2018 SF Fall Art & Antique Show

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

Over the weekend, Fort Mason was the place to be. It was the 37th annual San Francisco Fall Art & Antiques Show, and there was a flurry of happy hours, talks, and events in honor of the occasion. The most popular was last Wednesday’s opening night preview gala. The party, which benefits Enterprise for Youth, is one of the most fun evenings of the year.

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

Suzanne Tucker, the show’s chair, and Ariane Trimuschat, the show’s director, decided on the theme— The Sun, The Moon, & The Stars: Celestial Imagery in Art, Antiques, & Design. The concept was everywhere, from the artwork hanging in vendor stalls to the print of socialite Lisa Zabelle’s Self Portrait dress.

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

The entryway to the show sets the tone for what’s to come and this year’s vignettes did not disappoint. Four local designers are given the honor of creating a room. Each one is inspired by the theme and must incorporate elements from the vendors. British hand-painted wallpaper company De Gournay sponsored the vignettes and worked with the designers—Charlotte Moss, Ken Fulk, Madeline Stuart, and The Wiseman Group—to craft custom-printed wallpaper.

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

“My vignette depicts an idealized representation of a Chinese scholar’s study at night. I sought to create a moody, atmospheric and elegant space, with a mere suggestion of something ever-so-slightly sinister,” Stuart told Haute Living of her vignette. She decorated her space with 17th century Ming dynasty Chinese furniture, an ancient Gandaharan head, a stunning figure of a kneeling woman from the Han dynasty, and a collection of Japanese bronze vases.

Stuart's night-inspired vignette — Stuart’s night-inspired vignette

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

“The process of collaborating with De Gournay on the wallpaper was a wonderful experience,” Stuart says. “We worked together to establish the design, which was inspired by an important Japanese artist, Matazo Kayama. I love that the paper features traditional Chinese artistic techniques—such as the representation of the cranes flying across the gilded silver moon—combined with a highly abstract interpretation of clouds, rendered in bas-relief swirls of gilded silver and black.”

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

The show is an essential event for designers who often shop for items online. Not only can they interact and network with the dealers, but they can experience the artwork and furniture first hand. “It’s imperative that designers visit a show like this to be exposed to such an extensive variety of art and antiques, all in one place,” Stuart says. “What a rare opportunity to see so many beautiful things for sale! The SFFAS is like going to a museum where you can buy whatever is on display.”

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

The opening gala is a see-and-be-seen type of party where the Mirabelle by Schramsberg flows freely, and the most popular place in the building is the caviar station operated by the handsome young boy with a man bun. When asked what she loves most about the show, Stuart replied, “Aside from the lamb chops?! And the people watching? I love coming on opening night—it’s such a marvelous party.” Notables in attendance include Dede Wilsey, Claud Gurney, Kathryn and Bo Laster, Kathy and Rick Hilton, Allison Speer, and Nancy and Paul Pelosi.

Photo Credit: Jessica Monroy for Drew Altizer Photography

As for the show itself, Stuart describes it best: “I’m always awestruck by the incredible range of beautiful things, whether that be Asian antiquities or American Folk art. There are so many unique and exceptional objects, beautifully arrayed and displayed under one roof.”