ART IS THE HERO – ART AND INTERIORS

Join a discussion with experts from the world of art and interiors on how to create a space that complements rather than detracts from your collection without feeling like you live in a gallery. Covering colour, materials, lighting, and accessories, speakers will reference specific briefs and challenges. 

Victoria Woodcock is a freelance journalist writing about art, craft and design for publications including the Financial Times and CNN Style. She is a contributing editor at FT magazine HTSI.  

Born in Delhi, India, Charu Gandhi grew up surrounded by a rich tapestry of craft sparking a lifelong love of design. When Charu was nine years old her parents undertook the design and construction of the family home, hiring a female architect who was to leave a lasting impression on Charu, “She would bring along the most beautiful models and drawings to the design meetings. Watching her work confirmed to me what my future career path would be.” In 1997 Charu moved to London where she trained as an architect, studying at the Architectural Association before beginning her professional career. 

Her passion for architecture soon expanded beyond studying the discipline, leading her to teach at the Architectural Association before joining the offices of notable architectural firm Allies & Morrison in 2006. During her time at Allies & Morrison she worked on several exceptional residential and hospitality projects in Beirut, Kerala and Qatar. Her portfolio of commissions also included the Doha National Library and the London Olympics Masterplan. Charu joined Candy & Candy Group in 2011, where her role in the private commission team saw her running their highly impressive international portfolio of commissions, including exclusive villas and private homes across India and Africa. Charu also designed residences in the prestigious One Hyde Park development. 

In 2014 Charu founded Elicyon, a dynamic and innovative global design studio driven by a desire to combine the rigours of her architectural practice with her passion for design and decorative craft. As its founder and director, Charu’s formal architectural training, international outlook and enquiring intellect inform her elegant and considered approach to interior design. Bringing a bespoke cohesion through both the architecture of the environment and the objects that embrace it, Elicyon has established a reputation for creating luxury, highly personalised interiors for private clients, residential developers and boutique hotels both in the UK and globally. 

Varuna Kaur Kollanethu is the Founder, Director, and Curator of London-based Ruup & Form, a contemporary material-led art, design, and craft gallery. With a diverse background as well as formal curatorial training, Varuna provides a multifaceted approach.  

Born in India, Varuna relocated to London in 2005. Varuna holds a MA Journalism and Public Relations from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication and a MA Curating Contemporary Design from Kingston University and began to develop an impressive roster of curatorial posts and partnerships, including work with museums and purchasing pieces for high net-worth individuals and corporate spaces. 

Varuna founded Ruup & Form in 2019. She believes that craft and design contribute to the economic and social wellbeing of communities, connect us to our cultural histories, and are integral to building a sustainable future. Her curatorial approach draws heavily on her background, incorporating extensive research into artists and their practice as well as careful consideration of themes and forms.  

James Elwes founded contemporary gallery TIN MAN ART in 2021. His artworld insight is the result of nearly two decades of experience in the industry gained across commercial galleries, fairs and institutions. Working closely with artists, he draws on his experience and insider knowledge to develop collections and commissions alongside facilitating acquisitions and loans to public institutions.  

Dedicated to communicating narratives that spark meaningful relationships between people and art, he uses his knowledge and enthusiasm to connect collectors and artists. Inspired by the artists he works with, James is committed to championing their work whilst democratising the culture of collecting through collaborative curation, transparent engagement and a shared passion for contemporary art.