Collecting Objects – Design Made to Collect

Not all collectors start with paintings. Increasingly, it’s the designed object, the chair, the vessel, the light that captures both the heart and the imagination.

This discussion, moderated by Objectspace Director Kim Paton brings together Jeweller Jasmin Scott, Furniture maker Grant Bailey and Gallerist Jade Townsend to explore the growing appreciation of design as collectible art. Together they’ll unpack what gives an object lasting value, from craftsmanship and material integrity to the stories and ideas behind each piece.

Expect a thoughtful, practical conversation about how to start collecting design (even on a modest budget) and how to see the art of the everyday object in a whole new light.

Kim Paton | Moderator
Jasmin Scott | Speaker
Grant Bailey | Speaker
Jade Townsend | Speaker 

Kim Paton has been the Director of Objectspace since 2015. Her interest is in interdisciplinary exhibition making across the fields of craft, design, architecture and contemporary art. Paton has curated and written extensively on object-based art forms including the 2023 exhibition The Chair: A story of design and making in Aotearoa. Recent writing includes essays for Cheryl Lucas: Shaped by Schist and Scoria (Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, 2022) and David Straight: Locations of Interest (Objectspace, 2023). Paton is co-author up the upcoming book Hook Hand Heart Star: Warwick Freeman published by arnoldsche Art Publishers (2025).

Jasmin Scot is a jewellery designer whose fascination with materiality and form, combined with formal training, led her to launch independent brand Jasmin Sparrow. Offering sculptural and sentimental designs, her work encourages permanence.

Grant Bailey is Tāmaki Makaurau based designer/ maker. Whilst maintaining a bespoke furniture practice he has work extensively in film and tv and collaborated with artists, designers and architects both in Aotearoa and abroad.

Jade Townsend is a Whanganui-born, Tāmaki Makaurau-based multi-disciplinary artist and curator working across painting, sculpture, and installation. Her practice critically explores identity, cultural hybridity, and material storytelling through the lens of her Māori (Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Ātihaunui-a-Pāpārangi), Pākehā and British heritage. Townsend holds a BA (Hons) in Fine Art Painting from Manchester Metropolitan University and has undertaken notable residencies at institutions including Slade School of Art (London), Red Gate Gallery (Beijing), Artspace Aotearoa and Objectspace (Tāmaki Makaurau), and Tylee Cottage in Whanganui.

She is Co-Founder and Creative Director of Season a dealer gallery, an Independent Director of RRA (Resale Royalties Aotearoa), and a Trustee of the Sarjeant Gallery Trust. Alongside her studio practice, Townsend contributes to governance and advocacy within Aotearoa’s arts sector, supporting artists and shaping conversations around cultural value, stewardship, and contemporary practice.

Let’s Talk Art presented by Aon, brings together 30 artists, curators, designers, and collectors for 10 compelling talks over three days.

Entry to Let’s Talk Art is on a first come, first serve basis. There is no RSVP.

A valid ticket to the Aotearoa Art Fair 2026 is required for entry to this talk. Buy tickets online.