Furniture Hire in Action: Royal Academy of the Arts Summer Exhibition Preview Party

Juno Hire recently supported Event Concept at the RA Summer Exhibition Preview Party, by providing some of our top furniture hire items in the beautiful surroundings of the prestigious Royal Academy in Piccadilly, London. The Summer Exhibition started back in 1769 and the Summer Exhibition Preview Party raises funds for Britain’s first art school, The Royal Academy Schools. Since then it has become ‘the highlight of London’s social calendar’. It was an honour to be a part of such a historic and respected event. Keep scrolling to see our furniture hire in action…

 

The Event

With their famous ‘open submissions’ policy, the RA’s Summer Exhibition delivers, year after year, a mixture of artistic mediums, on a range of topics, from a combination of emerging artists, new talent and household names alike. The exhibition has run uninterrupted since 1769 and this year over 1,500 works are on display. Before the exhibition opens, the RA hosts a Preview Party. Here, guests can get an exclusive, first look at the works of art. This year, works include a ‘menagerie’ in the Central Hall, large scale sculptural works in the courtyard, and an outdoor installation of colourful flags which extended out on to Bond Street.

 

The Venue

The Royal Academy has moved several times since its founding in the 18th century. Burlington House and Burlington Gardens in Piccadilly have housed the exhibition since 1864. Burlington House itself was built in 1664 as a private home for Sir John Denham, a wealthy lawyer, poet and architect. The house later passed on to the Cavendish family and continued to nurture the arts and sciences, being home not only to Henry Cavendish who discovered hydrogen but also to the Elgin Marbles before they transferred to the British Museum. Being so rich in history, as well as in architectural beauty, Burlington House has been an apt home for The Royal Academy all these years.

 

Furniture in Action

We had the pleasure of providing some of our most popular event furniture hire items for the Preview Party in the stunning location of Burlington House. Nearly all of our seating line was put to use. Our Dinky Armchairs in Claret, Electric Blue and Moss Green provided a rich colour palette that complemented the royal and plush aspects of the house. The gold leaf of the picture frames matched perfectly with our Dinky Armchair in Mustard Velvet. Our Dinky Armchair in contemporary Millennial Pink created a cool contrast to the sage green walls of The Richard Sharp Council room. 

The Gatsby Sofa in Black Velvet created a dramatic seating nook. Our side tables which included the Copper Maze Table, Birdcage Coffee Table, Tangle Table and our Corrugated Side Table ensured guests could sit back and have plenty of room for their drinks and canapés.  A selection of our chairs and stools were paired alongside a range of Juno tables including the Milano Poseur Table and Cappuccino Console Table, providing several stylish places for sitting, eating, drinking and discussing the wonderful art on show.

 

Photo credit: Thomas Alexander.

 

Juno Hire provides bespoke, design-led, high-quality bar and furniture hire for any function, party or event. We currently offer our furniture hire services in London and surrounding areas. Get in touch at [email protected].