- Nigel Wells
- Catrin Hampton
Bio
Zigzag Modern – Post-War Design from America and Europe
With over three decades at the forefront of the design world, Zigzag Modern has cultivated a distinct voice in the curation of mid-20th century art and design. Our expertise lies in the refined aesthetics and bold innovation of the post-war era, with a particular emphasis on the visionary American studio movement. We proudly showcase seminal works from the New Hope school—where organic materials met sculptural form—featuring masterful creations by George Nakashima, Philip Lloyd Powell, and Paul Evans. Alongside these, we present iconic lighting by pioneering Italian houses such as Arteluce and Arredoluce, as well as a considered selection of Scandinavian design—celebrated for its clean lines, quiet functionality, and timeless warmth.
For the upcoming PAD London in October 2025, we are delighted to unveil a carefully curated ensemble that celebrates the dialogue between craftsmanship and modernism. Central to our presentation will be pieces from the legendary studio of George Nakashima, whose work embodies a spiritual connection between wood and maker, as well as rare early designs by the ever-provocative Ettore Sottsass, whose playful radicalism helped reshape postmodern aesthetics.
This rich narrative will be further enhanced by works from other giants of 20th-century design: the architectural minimalism of Alvar Aalto, the avant-garde geometry of Gerrit Rietveld, the luminous poetry of Poul Henningsen, the structural elegance of Harry Bertoia, and the technical ingenuity of Gino Sarfatti. Together, these voices form a cross-continental conversation—a tapestry of ideas that continue to influence and inspire the contemporary design landscape.
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