About this Event
Dulwich Midcentury Modern® Fair: The Ultimate Sustainable Design Destination
Now in our 22nd year
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See the video here: https://modernshows.com/shows/
"Missed out last time? Never fear! Midcentury Modern has returned to spread the interior décor joy it has in droves with a Dulwich College takeover spanning 85 top furniture dealers. It’s less rough, more diamonds." Londonist
Step into a world of mid-century modern design at Modern Shows® Midcentury Modern® Fair, held at the iconic Christison Hall, a stunning 1960s glass, brick, and concrete refectory at Dulwich College. With over 60 vintage dealers on the ground floor and cloisters beyond and an additional 25 contemporary designers upstairs, this fair offers an unmatched blend of classic and modern interior design.
What to Expect
Explore the finest examples of British, American, and Scandinavian 20th-century design, from Eames to Ercol, as well as striking contemporary pieces curated by top designers like Poppy Norton, Marque Sussex, and Storigraphic. You’ll find everything from furniture and lighting to art, fabric, jewellery and homeware, creating a haven for design enthusiasts and collectors alike. With stalls spilling out into the Victorian cloisters beyond, this beautifully curated event is huge, has parking and refreshments, and brings the timeless appeal of mid-century design into the modern day.
An Originator of the Midcentury Modern Movement in the UK
The Dulwich Midcentury Modern Fair isn’t just another vintage event—it’s a key part of the UK's design history. Modern Shows®. Founded by Petra Curtis and Lucy Ryder Richardson, it is credited with popularizing the term "Midcentury Modern" in Britain, well before it became a cultural phenomenon through shows like Mad Men. The duo's passion and expertise in mid-century design have made the fair a must-visit for top interior and furniture designers, starchitects, and even celebrities such as Olivia Colman, Jason Statham, and Andrew Garfield.
Meet the Experts
At Dulwich, you’ll have plenty of time to chat with the dealers and designers, who are more than willing to share their extensive knowledge. Whether you're hunting for a statement piece or just browsing, you'll experience the thrill of discovering design classics in a vibrant, interactive setting.
Contemporary Design Meets Mid-Century Classics
While the ground floor is dedicated to vintage finds, the upper level showcases cutting-edge contemporary design. Tanya Pateman curates this vibrant section, bringing in a mix of innovative designers whose work complements the mid-century aesthetic, ensuring the fair offers something for every style and taste.
A Design-Lover’s Dream
This event has garnered a loyal following, with rave reviews from design experts and fans alike. As Time Out describes it, the fair is “a very stylish showcase of high-quality, highly covetable furniture, lighting, art, and homeware." From top interior designers to casual enthusiasts, everyone is drawn to the fair’s unmatched selection and atmosphere.
Celebrity Endorsements and Industry Praise
The Dulwich Midcentury Modern Fair is more than just a shopping event—it’s a cultural institution. The Financial Times has called it "brilliantly curated" and "a must-visit event for anyone after original mid-century design," while Grand Designs claims the show “could cause design lovers a cardiac arrest” due to its impeccable offerings.
More Than a Fair: A Community of Design Lovers
Lucy Ryder Richardson and Petra Curtis aren’t just fair organizers; they also run Modern Shows® Modern Marketplace, a place to source dealers and designers as well as stage homes for estate agents like The Modern House and Savills. Their shows offer more than just shopping—they create a community of passionate design lovers who return year after year, making each event feel like a reunion of likeminded enthusiasts.
Mark Your Calendars
Don't miss out on one of the UK’s top design events. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time visitor, the Dulwich Midcentury Modern Fair is a must-attend for anyone with an eye for design.
Testimonials:
- "The brilliantly curated Modern Shows is a must-visit event for anyone after original mid-century design." – Charlotte Abrahams, FT, The Guardian
- "It's like visiting a design museum where you can sit on the classics, talk to knowledgeable people, and then take the exhibits home with you." – Matthew Hilton, Furniture Designer
- "Midcentury Modern is a dangerous show. All the must-see vintage furniture, lighting and accessories dealers in one place makes for serious temptation. Lucy and Petra organise the shows with their idiosyncratic verve and energy and in atmospheric locations so the events feel like an occasion / day out and not just a shopping experience."Jenny Dalton. Freelance. How To Spend It. Financial Times.
- "Held in the beautiful and very appropriate Christison building designed by Wates in the Sixties, this show is stuffed with all the recognisable classics of Scandinavian, American and British heroes of 20C design. It's like visiting a design museum where you can sit on the classics, talk to knowledgable people and then take the exhibits home with you. I enjoy every show immensely and would recommend this show to any lover of design." Matthew Hilton, furniture designer
- "Damn you @modernshows and your beautiful vintage furniture. #Quality" @absolutebombs
- “Their shows are literally a shoppers paradise whether you're looking for collectable one-offs or small gift items. Get a ticket for the next show now!” Michelle Mason, designer and shop owner, Mason & Painter
With its unmatched collection of mid-century and contemporary design, the Dulwich Midcentury Modern Fair is more than just a shopping experience—it’s an iconic event celebrating the best of design history and innovation.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Dulwich College, Dulwich Common, Croydon, United Kingdom
GBP 7.00 to GBP 11.00