EVENT REPORT   05.23.07 10:40 AM
Swatch Watchers
Curvy chandeliers made from paint swatch cards had guests looking up during the spring benefit for the Tate in London.
FROM NEW YORK Paint swatches hanging over dinner tables became a surprisingly attractive decor element at a fund-raising dinner for the Tate Modern on May 8. For this, the first dinner of the American Patrons of the Tate, the independent New York-based charity supporting England’s renowned modern art institution, the organization’s director, Richard Hamilton, and head of development, Virginia Cowles-Schroth, oversaw the event, enlisting designer David Stark to create a fitting look for the evening.
Attaching green and blue paint strips to curving rods, Stark created chandelierlike centerpieces for the long tables that dominated the Waterway Pavilion Midtown’s narrow hall. More of the brightly colored swatches appeared as table number cards and bases for flower arrangements. Most elements—from the linens to the flowers—matched the evening’s colors. Nothing was too fussy or detailed, keeping all eyes on the centerpieces.

The night raised $1.5 million with almost 400 guests in attendance, including Richard Tuttle, Ed Ruscha, Jeff Koons, and Chuck Close.

  —Anna Sekula
The swatches hung above long tables in the center of the dinner area. Inspired by the colors used in the museum’s graphic materials, Stark collected blue and green paint strips from hardware stores.
Photo: BizBash
Stark matched the linens, vases, china, and glassware to the colors of the strips.
Photo: BizBash
In contrast, the stage area was a vibrant orange with a curtain of the strips as a backdrop.
Photo: BizBash
Swatches curved around the base of the floral centerpieces that decorated the smaller, round tables.
Photo: BizBash
In a tented area next to the pavilion, a jazz band performed atop a grassy mound during cocktails. Grapefruit-scented candles added to the outdoorsy, springtime vibe.
Photo: BizBash
  
American Patrons of the Tate Artists Dinner

Catering Glorious Food
Design David Stark Design and Production
Draping Drape Kings
Graphic Design 2 X 4 Inc.
Lighting Equipment Scharff Weisberg
Lighting, Audiovisual Production Wizard Studios
Parking Attendants Advanced Parking Concepts LLC
PR HL Group
Production MF Productions
Rentals Party Rental Ltd.
Security Global Security Services
Tenting Stamford Tent & Event Services
Venue Waterway Pavilion Midtown

RELATED TOPICS American Patrons of the Tate