‘Objects of Permanence’ brings timeless vision to the London design exhibition scene

Through August 29th, Charles Burnand Gallery unveils a bold design exhibition that champions permanence, material mastery, and sculptural resonance in the heart of London.

In a cultural moment defined by speed, ephemerality, and mass production, Charles Burnand Gallery challenges the norm with Objects of Permanence—a group show that highlights the enduring beauty of collectible design. Open now at 27 Whitfield Street, London, this exhibition marks a key event in the London design exhibition calendar.

Bringing together a curated selection of international talent—DEGLAN, DenHolm, Kyeok Kim, Yanxiong Lin, Jean Gabriel Neukomm, Reynold Rodriguez, Mia Jung, Simon Stewart, Yearin Pyun, Kyouhong Lee, and Jan Waterston—the exhibition explores the intersection of form, function, and memory. Each piece speaks not to trend, but to lasting value, deliberate craftsmanship, and a quiet but assertive design language.

Collectible design gallery celebrates timeless craft

Far from the fleeting allure of novelty, the works on view emphasize material intelligence, conceptual depth, and a slow, layered form of engagement. From sculptural chandeliers to hand-carved wooden furniture, the objects are defined by their power to hold space, carry weight—literally and metaphorically—and resist the rush of time.

Among the standout pieces is DEGLAN’s Eido Dining Table, a substantial and hand-finished centerpiece made in Berlin. Influenced by traditional Italian and Japanese techniques, it’s carved and shaped entirely by hand, celebrating the intimacy between maker and material.

Kyeok Kim’s copper works, crocheted by hand and finished with layers of ottchil, carbon, and sawdust, bring a fresh, tactile complexity to the show. Their lightness in form belies a deep investigation into process, repetition, and transformation.

At the luminous core of the exhibition is Jean Gabriel Neukomm’s Lucen’s Chandelier, a work of serene architectural brilliance. Nearby, Simon Stewart’s Harnessing the Elements commands attention—a monumental chandelier composed of shimmering gold mica that juxtaposes nature’s wild energy with refined, artistic order.

A design exhibition that defies the disposable

What sets Objects of Permanence apart in the crowded London design exhibition landscape is its philosophical stance: a belief that contemporary design can—and should—carry legacy. Artist Jan Waterston’s Primitive Excavation and Self-Mining Lounge Chair reflect this idea, acting as sculptural explorations of both material force and emotional depth. Their limed and stained finishes connect ancient geologic presence with the artist’s contemplative process.

As designer Simon Stewart put it, the exhibition doesn’t dwell in nostalgia—it “looks forward, toward a design language grounded in integrity, in process, and in the belief that contemporary works can still carry the weight of legacy.”

Presented by one of London’s leading collectible design galleries, Charles Burnand, this show is a must-see for collectors, curators, and anyone seeking design that lasts. It offers a rare chance to engage with works that don’t just occupy space—but define it.