Waterhouse & Dodd

Dorothy Mead, Waterhouse & Dodd, 47 Albemarle Street, London W1, until 13^th December 2014

Blue nude, circa 1968
Oil on canvas
23.5 x 39.5 in / 60 x 100 cm

In many ways it really is strange that Dorothy Mead (1928-1975) never had a ‘one-man’ show in her lifetime. As these paintings and drawings from the artist’s estate show she was an accomplished and skilled artist. She had studied under David Bomberg and was a founder member of the Borough Group but even though periodically working as an art teacher struggled financially. Among the casual jobs she undertook she was as a Kentish hop picker, a theatrical costume designer, a cartoon animator and a Lyons waitress.

Looking into the distance, 1947-48
Oil on canvas
25 x 30 in / 64 x 76 cm

In this exhibition twenty-five of her works are shown alongside ones by her mentor David Bomberg and fellow pupils including Frank Auerbach, Dennis Creffield, Miles Richmond as well as members of the Borough Group.

Arcade, 1967
Dated ‘67
Oil on canvas
25 x 30 in / 64 x 76 cm

http://www.waterhousedodd.com

©all images

MALL GALLERIES

Nov29

New English Art Club Annual Open Exhibition 2014, Mall Galleries, The Mall, London SW, 28 November to 7 December 2014

Michael Harrison
Christmas at Recipease

This annual exhibition is always eagerly awaited by collectors and understandably so. With over four hundred works – paintings, prints and drawings – for sale there should be something for everyone. Don’t miss it.

Open: 10am to 5pm (closes 1pm on final day)

Michael Fairclough
Dusk IX

http://www.newenglishartclub.co.uk

http://www.mallgalleries.org.uk

UN MOMENT DE PERFECTION

Nov28

UN MOMENT DE PERFECTION, Christie’s King Street, London, 3^rd December, 2014

The Hallway, showing to the left of the mirrored doors:
Lot 53
Christina Robertson (1796-1854)
Portrait of Empress Alexandra Feodorovna of Russia, née Princess Charlotte of Prussia, three-quarter length, in an ermine-lined red mantle, in a park landscape
signed ‘C. Robertson Pinxit’ (lower right)
oil on canvas
50 7/8 x 38 7/8 in. (129 x 98 cm.)
Estimate £30,000 – 50,000
CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2014

There is really no other way in my mind to describe an interior by Maison Jansen, especially where it’s legendary director Stéphane Boudin and his successor Pierre Delbée were involved. The interiors from which this collection comes are a fine example of the firm’s work.

Interior View
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Jansen’s clients included the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, the Wrightsmans, the Agnellis, C Z Guest and President and Mrs Kennedy. I was fortunate enough early in my writing career to write about Boudin and the work he did for Lady Baillie at Leeds Castle and her London house and it was a fascinating exercise. I totally understood why she chose him to create the background for her life.

Lot 20
ONE OF A PAIR OF LATE LOUIS XVI ORMOLU SIX-LIGHT CANDELABRA
ATTRIBUTED TO PIERRE GOUTHIERE CIRCA 1785-1790, POSSIBLY RETAILED BY DOMINIQUE DAGUERRE
Each surmounted by a bouquet of rose stems from a flower and fruit-filled basket on a sphere-capped baluster issuing six scrolling horn-shaped branches on a circular plinth with palmette-cast frieze, the three supports headed by satyr masks and enclosing a suspended amphora to the centre, the base with griffin supports on a concave-sided tripartite base centred by Medusa masks to each side on fluted toupie feet, the rose stems late 18th century and possibly later embellishments
46 ½ in. (118 cm.) high; 16 in. (40.5 cm.) deep
Estimate £350,000 – 500,000
CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2014

Whatever the mise-en-scene Jansen were superb at incorporating their clients’ collections and advising them on suitable acquisitions. This sale contains some superb pieces of fine and decorative art, including two beautiful capricci of Rome by Hubert Robert, Italian commodes designed by Luigi Valadier and a superb pair of ormolu candelabra attributed to celebrated French ciseleur-doreur Pierre Gouthière.

Lot 30
ONE OF A PAIR OF ITALIAN NEOCLASSICAL ORMOLU-MOUNTED PADOUK, ROSEWOOD AND MARQUETRY COMMODES, ROME, CIRCA 1784-75, THE DESIGN AND MOUNTS BY LUIGI VALADIER
Each with a green, grey and white striated marble top above an ormolu stiff-leaf moulded edge, above two drawers centred by classical mask handles within laurel wreaths within a guilloche border, the sides similarly inlaid and centred by a handle, on turned tapering fluted columnar legs and stiff-leaf sabots
37 ¼ in. (94.5 cm.) high; 52 ¾ in. (134 cm.) wide; 26 ¼ in. (66.5 cm.) deep, overall
36 in. (91 cm.) high; 52 in. (132 cm.) wide; 26 in. (66 cm.) deep. without marble
Estimate £600,000 – 1,000,000
CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2014

There are many other beautiful things too that will inspire purchasers to buy a little piece of this superb lifestyle that Jansen created with their clients.

The Dining Room showing on the far wall:
Lot 36
Hubert Robert (Paris 1733-1808)
The Forum, Rome, with the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina and figures resting in the foreground; and the Forum, Rome, with the Temple of Saturn and figures conversing and resting by a sculpted vase
oil on canvas
25¼ x 31 in. (64.2 x 78.5 cm.)
(2) a pair
Estimate £200,000 – 400,000
CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2014

See: Un Moment de Perfection: An Important Private Collection of French 18^th Century Furniture and Old Master Paintings at http://www.christies.com

BRUCE MUNRO AT WADDESDON AND SALISBURY

Nov27

Winter Light at Waddesdon: Bruce Munro

North Front, Waddesdon Manor ©National Trust, Waddesdon Manor Photo : Mike Fear

It has become a custom to celebrate Christmas at Waddesdon in a very special way both indoors and outdoors and this year is certainly no exception. Following on from Waddesdon’s interest in the artistic effect of light it is totally appropriate that in the rooms of the East and the Bachelors’ Wings there are enchanting displays of myths, rituals and stories from around the globe. Entitled Lights and Legends, the displays encompass Yuletide, Chinese New Year, Babushka, St Lucy and more.

Billiard Room, Waddesdon Manor ©National Trust, Waddesdon Manor Photo : Mike Fear

Now in the second year of his residency the noted international artist Bruce Munro has again installed special light pieces in the garden but this time also indoors in the White Room. As befits the room’s name the installation is called Snow Code and consists of messages in Morse code which are conveyed in pulses of light falling like snow. It is a very sensual experience as the mirrors of the room also reflect the messages.

©Bruce Munro, Snow Code, Waddesdon Manor 2014 photograph by Mark Pickthall

The trail of light through the gardens is quite special and as you progress along it you will come across light works that immediately capture your attention and interest. Among them is Beacon (2013) a geodesic dome of coloured light, which he created originally for the benefit of the charity ‘Cancerkin’ and it certainly is a perfect “beacon” of hope. Eden Blooms (2013) relates to Munro’s recent works in botanical gardens in the USA and his Field of Light (2004 -2014) which he considers as his “personal symbol for the good things in life” is this year his way of marking the First World War

©Bruce Munro, Eden Blooms, Waddesdon Manor 2014 photograph by Mark Pickthall’

Until: 4^th January 2015

©Bruce Munro, Field of Light, Waddesdon Manor 2014 photograph by Mark Pickthall

www.waddesdon.org.uk

_____________________________________

‘Star’ to Shine at Salisbury Cathedral

Aerial view of Star of Bethelehem by Bruce Munro at Salisbury Cathedral – photo by Ash Mills

The Star of Bethlehem is projected from above onto the still water of the font below and continues spilling over the sides. Once again using the dots and dashes of Morse code Munro tells the story of the wise men following the star to find the infant Christ and is based on Matthew 2: 1-12 from the New Testament.

Star of Bethelehem by Bruce Munro at Salisbury Cathedral – photo by Ash Mills

It takes 2minutes 20 seconds for it reach to its maximum extent and remains like that for 70minutes with the text scrolling to each point of the star. A very spiritual experience to behold.

Until: 4^th February 2015

http://www.salisburycathedral.org.uk

www.brucemunro.co.uk

EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY

Nov26

EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY, Reindeer Antiques, 81 Kensington Church Street, London W8, 26th November – 17th December 2014

“Eat Drink and Be Merry: Furniture by Reindeer Antiques, Silver by Jason Sanderberg, Print by Isaac and Ede”

Three leading London dealers have joined forces to give us a glimpse of Georgian hospitality. Among the pieces on offer is a pair of George II Rococo sauce boats with dolphin handles made by Thomas Gilpin which would grace any table. A pair of Regency amboyna and rosewood card tables reminds us of the love of card playing and gambling in the period which was caricatured by artists such as Hogarth, Cruikshank and Rowlandson.

“Gosselin Wine Drinking print by Isaac and Ede”

The dealers taking part are Reindeer Antiques who are one of the capital’s leading Georgian furniture dealers, silver expert Jason Sandeberg and David Isaac of the St James’s print specialists Isaac & Ede.

http://www.isaacandede.com
http://www.reindeerantiques.co.uk
http://www.sandeberg.co.uk

©all images

Philip Mould & Company

Nov25

John Smart – A Genius Magnified, Philip Mould & Company, 29 Dover Street, London W1, 25th November – 9th December 2014

This exhibition provides a great opportunity to buy a portrait by an artist considered to be the greatest miniature painter of his era.

A Portrait of Richard Twining (1749-1824) by John Smart.
Watercolour, silver-gilt bracelet clasp frame with diamond border. Signed with initials and dated ‘J.S/1771’. Oval, 39mm (1 . in.) high.
© Philip Mould & Company.

Thanks to diligent research by the gallery’s Emma Rutherford and researcher Lawrence Hendra we now know more about the life of John Smart (1741-1811). Although thought to have come from Norfolk they have discovered that he was a Londoner, from Soho.

A Lady, previously identified as ‘Lady Cockburn’, wearing a gold dress with lace trim
decorated with pearls and sapphire, her hair worn curled and powdered and decorated
with white ostrich feathers, by John Smart.
Watercolour, original gold frame (Colonial), signed with
initials and dated ‘J.S/1785/I’, Oval, 50mm (2 in.) high.
© Philip Mould & Company.

His sitters were mainly drawn from the wealthy merchant classes and this in 1785 led to him to India where he remained for the next ten years. Sitters from this time can be easily identified by the fact that he added the letter I to his signature and also the faces of the Caucasian sitters portrayed show signs of sunburn or are flushed from the heat. He also did some sketches of Indian subjects while he was in Madras.

A Young Hindu, probably called ‘Venkataramman’, wearing a jamaand turban by John Smart.
Pencil and watercolour on paper, inscribed on the reverse:‘VencatarammanBramin’. Gilded wood frame, Rectangular, 71 x 61mm (2 . x 2 ⅜ in.)
© Philip Mould& Company.

He returned to London in December 1795 and moved into 20 Grafton Street (just a stone’s throw from the gallery) where he again flourished. Patrons paid 25 guineas for a miniature which is a similar amount to that paid to rent a London town house for a year.

A Young Girl, possibly Miss E. Lambert, wearing a décolleté white dress with thin gold waistband, her hair worn short by John Smart.
Watercolour, gold metal frame, the reverse with central aperture glazed to reveal brown plaited hair, red leather travelling case. Signed with initials and dated ‘J.S/1804’. Oval, 80mm (3 ⅛ in.) high.
© Philip Mould & Company.

The collection comprises of forty-five works and has been accrued over a period of nearly three decades by a European collector who loves the skill and precision of Smart’s painting. It is the first time that the collection has been publicly exhibited.

A Lady, identified as ‘Miss Byron’ by John Smart.
Watercolour, diamond-edged gold frame, inscribed on the reverse ‘Portrait of/Miss Byron/by John Smart/signed J.S.1770’ in shagreen travelling case, oval,38mm(1.in.) high.
©PhilipMould&Company.

A rare opportunity to admire and to acquire a work by this man of whom Philip Mould says “Smart’s peers were Gainsborough and Reynolds and although his works are diminutive in size, in his own medium he was their artistic equal. This is the chance we have been waiting for to give this often eclipsed virtuoso the stage he magnificently deserves. This body of work spans his career, two continents, and incorporates the full range of Smart’s artistry. As a feat of collecting from the late 1980s through to the mid 2000s it is remarkable. The opportunity to do the same with Smart’s equals on the scale of life such as Gainsborough, Lawrence or Reynolds passed long ago.”

John Dalrymple, 6th Earl of Stair (1749-1821) by John Smart.
Watercolour and pencil on paper. Inscribed on reverse in ink: ‘Lord Dalrymple’, and in a later hand: ‘Viscount Earl/of Stair’. Gilded wood frame, Rectangular, 60 x 50mm (2 ⅜ x 2 in.)
© Philip Mould & Company.

http://www.philipmould.com

Christie’s King Street, London, 4th December 2014

Nov24

A Townhouse off Grosvenor Square: The Collection of Dr Peter D. Sommer, Christie’s King Street, London, 4^th December 2014.

CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2014

The Berlin-born Dr Peter D. Sommer (1940-2013) was a successful financier and a lover of French and German Fine and Decorative Arts, particularly from the 18^th century. However as the catalogue reveals he did not limit his collecting to those areas only as there is good English furniture, silver, jewellery, Impressionist pictures and some rather fine Hermès luggage too.

Interior view showing a magnificent Louis XV regulateur, circa 1745, formerly in the collection of the Viennese Rothschilds (estimate: £200,000-300,000, illustrated left) and one of a set of six grand Viennese giltwood armchairs with seats and backs of Beauvais tapestry depicting La Fontaine’s Fables (offered over three lots each with estimates of £100,000-150,000)
CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2014

Frederick the Great’s patronage of the arts has been a great influence in Dr Sommer’s collecting, especially in pictures which feature many ‘fêtes galantes’ and mythological subjects. As well as an interesting group of four tables en chiffonnière by Bernard II van Risen Burgh – known as ‘BVRB’ – the master ébéniste of the French mid-18^th century there are a pair of German chairs similar to those ordered by Frederick for his various palaces. It is a remarkable ensemble and achievement.

Interior view showing a Louis XV Gobelins tapestry, dated 1758, depicting the Ball of Barcelona from the Don Quixote series (estimate: £100,000-150,000)
CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2014

One special feature of this sale is that you can actually view it in situ (admission by catalogue only) at Dr Sommer’s home, 47 Upper Grosvenor Street, from 22 November to 3 December. Selected highlights will be on view at Christie’s King Street between 28 November to 3 December.

Interior View showing one of a pair of English Giltwood Side Tables
CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2014

http://www.christies.com

Venus and Cupid by François Boucher (1703-1770) (estimate: £350,000-500,000)
CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2014

The Bad Shepherd

Nov23

The Bad Shepherd, Christie’s Mayfair, 103 New Bond Street, London W1, until 16th January 2015

Pieter Brueghel II (Brussels 1564/5-1637/8 Antwerp) The Bad Shepherd
CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2014

What a great concept this enjoyable exhibition, spread over three floors, is. The Brueghel’s filled their works with scenes from everyday life and the natural world, often with a sense of humour and their appeal has lasted across the centuries. It is easy to understand why their work resonates with artists to this day.

Sarah Lucas (B. 1962) Drag-On
CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2014

As the co-curators Darren Leak and Jacob Uecker explain: “The works in the exhibition all have a strong narrative within, addressing universal themes that translate very well. With Brueghel it’s the odd, the crude and the grotesque that are important and have resonance with contemporary works and the contemporary viewer. There will be one work by every artist on each floor, so viewers will be walking into a conversation between images and the vibration between Brueghel, his contemporaries and artists of our age, time and time again.”

Neo Rauch (B. 1960) Alter
With
Marten van Cleve (Antwerp c. 1527-before 1581) A winter landscape with the Massacre of the Innocents
CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2014

The early artists are Pieter Brueghel the Elder, Pieter Brueghel the Younger, Jan Brueghel the Elder, Marten Van Cleve and Abel Grimmer while their more contemporary counterparts are Peter Doig, Nicole Eisenman, Jeff Koons, Sarah Lucas, Neo Rauch, Thomas Schütte, and Jeff Wall. All intriguing in their own way and together!

www.christies.com

Trinity House: ICONS & IMPRESSIONISM

Nov22

Russian Icons: Spirit and Beauty, Jan Morsink Ikonen at Trinity House, 50 Maddox Street, London W1, Saturday 22 November to Thursday 27 November 2014.

Annunciation, Russia, Stroganov, circa 1600, 31 x 26.5 cm ©

This is the second time that the Amsterdam-based icon experts Jan Morsink Ikonen will exhibit in London – regular readers may recall that I wrote about them last year.

Simon Morsink explains that for this year’s show, which is part of Russian Art Week, they “are showing excellent examples of the various schools’ high quality painting reflecting the deep spirituality and beauty of Russian and Greek orthodox art.”

Madre della Consolazione Veneto-Cretan, early 16th century, 26 x 20.5 cm ©

Among the highlights is a rare pair of Russian Royal Doors, dating from the first half of the 17th century and from the Volga Region. These doors are the central two panels of an iconostasis, the screen between the nave and sanctuary. They are called ‘Royal’ because during the celebration of the liturgy it is believed that Jesus Christ, the King of Glory is carried through them in the form of the chalice with the body and blood of Christ. The Gospel is also proclaimed from them.

Opening hours: Saturday and Sunday: 2 pm – 6 pm, Monday to Thursday: 11 am – 6 pm

Royal Doors Russia, Volga Region, first half 17th century, 154.5 x 70 cm ©

http://www.russianartweek.co.uk

http://www.morsink.com

_________________________

Impressionism: Spirit and Beauty, Trinity House, 50 Maddox Street, London W1, 22nd November to 6^th December 2014.

Well-known as specialists in Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and 19th century works of art Trinity House is exhibiting these paintings alongside the Russian and Greek Icons mentioned above.

PIERRE AUGUSTE RENOIR (1841-1919)
Portrait de Femme (Gabrielle Renard, 1912
Signed centre right
Size: 51.4 x 41.3 cm (20¼” x 16 ¼”), 1912
©

The gallery’s Simon Mills says “The aim of this show is to juxtapose these two very diverse painterly styles to highlight how they can, in fact, work alongside one another in harmony. By displaying the two approaches to painting together, the viewer is better able to understand the qualities and active decision-making behind each style through observing the differences and merits found in each.”

GUSTAVE LOISEAU (1865-1935)
Le Quatorze Julliet à Paris, 1925
Oil on canvas
Size: 59.7 x 48.9 cm (23½” x 19¼”)
Signed and dated lower right
©

Among the pictures on view is a powerful charcoal drawing by Edgar Degas – Dancer (Préparation en dedans). Dating from around 1885, it was included in the 2011 Degas Exhibition at London’s Royal Academy.

HILAIRE-GERMAIN- EDGAR-DEGAS (1834 – 1917)
Dancer (Préparation en dedans), c.1885
Charcoal on paper
Size: 33.50 x 22.75 cm (13¼” x 9”)
Inscribed by the artist and stamped
©

http://www.trinityhousepaintings.com

Carpenters Workshop Gallery & Steinitz

Nov21

Dining Room, Carpenters Workshop Gallery & Steinitz, 3 Albemarle Street, until 19th December, 2014

This is a special collaboration between the Parisian specialist antiques firm Galerie Steinitz and the Carpenters Workshop Gallery.

Antique panelling, furniture and objects are beguilingly combined with the functional contemporary sculptures and furniture such as lighting by Frederik Molenschot, Rick Owens’s “Plug” table and Studio Job’s wonderful black cats.

MAARTEN BAAS | GRANDMOTHER CLOCK
2013
BRASS, DIGITAL EQUIPMENT
H200 L72 W39 CM / H78.7 L28.4 W15.4 IN
LIMITED EDITION OF 8 + 4 AP

To me the highlight was Maarten Baas’ Grandmother Clock which manages to be amusing, original and accurate. A room that would always be a delight to dine in!