Detail Chippendale Period Carved Giltwood Side Table Courtesy Mallett, London
What is a Masterpiece? My understanding is that it is something wonderful created by an individual with extraordinary talent in one field, or many. A work of art, a tour de force, a magnum opus, a masterwork completed by such as Leonardo da Vinci the first person who always springs to my mind as his was certainly one of a genius +.
In facing the crisis of the global economic downturn a brave group in London have come up with a whole new way of marketing fine quality wares. Masterpiece London will be showcasing the most covetable objects in the world: traditional and modern, old and new, from the finest of fine and decorative art to the best of wines, classic cars, jewellery and contemporary design.
It is indeed a clever concept. A 26th dynasty 600 BC bronze head of a Cat will be displayed next to a rare Pink Diamond of over seven carats, a fabulous Torse masculine du ‘Je suis belle’ by C20 French sculptor Auguste Rodin or a Russian Faberge Cane Handle for a walking stick made of smoky quartz on a gold mount set with diamonds made in St Petersburg c1900.
The fair will feature six world-class restaurants, numerous bars and state-of-the-art stand design. The object is to make a visit to Masterpiece an exceptional cultural, culinary and social experience for its clientele. It is all about valuing creativity in any age and in all cultures and replaces the former Grosvenor House Antiques & Art Fair that lasted for 75 years.
The change of location to the Former Chelsea Barracks is a stroke of masterly public relations. This former British Army Barracks has been a matter of comment and controversy since 6 September 2005 when the British Secretary of State for Defence, John Reid announced it would be sold. Since then many applications for redevelopment have failed reputedly because Prince Charles used his position in society to encourage healthy public debate on the issue, which has indeed been fierce. How shocking that he should use his influence for the greater good instead of for a greedy few.
As a result at the end of 2009 a Masterplan team was appointed and has been working with the community to resolve all the issues associated with this historic site since January, 2010.Residing opposite the prestigious Royal Hospital Chelsea and ideally situated in the heart of central London, Masterpiece London will be held in a Stabilo-designed bespoke structure on the site.
Some of the Exhibitors include A La Vieille Russie (USA), MacConnal-Mason, Marchant, SJ Phillips, Peter Finer and the Tomasso Brothers, Anthony Woodburn, Cahn International (Switzerland), Offer Waterman, Galerie Steinitz (France), Vanderven & Vanderven (The Netherlands) and Wartski.
An Important Chippendale Period Carved Giltwood Side Table Courtesy Mallett, London
These illustrious names, amongst others, will be exhibiting alongside established founders Mallett of London and New York, Ronald Phillips, Apter-Fredericks and Asprey as Masterpiece London seeks to showcase some of the greatest works on a scale not seen in the capital since the Great Exhibition of 1851.
Should be quite a bash, so if you are visiting London later this month this would seem to be the place to see and be seen, let alone enjoying yourself looking at major works of art and design and then indulging in some fabulous cuisine by world class chefs and wine from some of the world’s greatest vineyards.
Wish I could be there.
Fair location:
Former Chelsea Barracks
Chelsea Bridge Road
London SW1
Preview 23rd June
On View 24th – 29th June
Masterpiece London
142 New Bond Street
London
W1S 2BS
+44 (0)20 7499 7470
contact@masterpiecefair.com
Width: 68.1 in (173.0 cm)
Length/Depth: 34.6 in (88.0 cm)
A very important mid 18th century carved giltwood side table of large proportions. The finely carved and pierced frieze formed of continuous scrolls and foliage hung with garlands of leaves, fruits and flowers, standing on deeply curving cabriole legs, boldly carved and moulded with acanthus leaf edges and scrolling feet; the table retaining its original Sienna marble top of magnificent colour and markings.
Read Result of Opening Day Sales
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