Fit for an 18th century dining table!

Mar20

Four Private Collections – including a collection of ceramic handled cutlery, Stockspring Antiques, 114 Kensington Church St, London W8, 27^th March – 4^th April 2017

A boxed set of Worcester knives and forks c. 1758-60, in a ray skin covered standing box lined with crimson silk velvet and silver braid with twelve pairs of knives and forks, English steel blades of scimitar shape and three pronged forks with silver ferrules.

This exhibition comprises ceramics from four different private collections and includes Japanese and Worcester porcelains and a group of cane handles. Of special note is the collection of more than seventy pieces of ceramic handled cutlery. The majority of these are French and English but there are some interesting examples of Chinese and Continental porcelain too. They provide an exciting and fascinating guide to not only the changes in ceramic handle shapes but also the development and dating of the silver and steel fittings during the course of the 18th century.

A Bow knife and fork, painted in polychrome with the crest of Moses (Luis) Mendes, c. 1756, a merchant in the City of London.

www.antique-porcelain.co.uk

THE 2017 BADA FAIR

Mar13

BADA 2017, Duke of York Square, King’s Road, London SW3, 15^th — 21^st March 2017

Joseph Walsh (b. 1979)
Lilium I – A Unique Sculptural Form
2014
Olive Ash
325 x 215 x 74 cm
Courtesy Peter Petrou © Peter Petrou

From the moment you arrive at the BADA Fair you know that you have come to a place which will inspire and tempt you to buy pieces for your home or collection – things which you can live with and enjoy and understand why you acquired them.

An Irish George III white statuary marble and brocatelle marble chimneypiece of Neo-classical design,
Attributed to George Hill and Arthur Darley.
Courtesy of Mallett

The noted firm of Mallett’s are exhibiting there for the first time and as always provide an interesting selection to choose from.

A lantern in parcel-gilt bronze in the Gothic style.
Courtesy of Mallett

It’s hard to believe that this is the twenty-fifth BADA Fair and one feature that has always drawn interest and appreciation is the Loan Exhibition and this year’s is no exception. Entitled Samuel Prout: A Grand Tour in Watercolour it celebrates the life and work of Samuel Prout (1783-1852) from his simple beginnings to achieving the status of being ‘Painter in Water-Colours in Ordinary’ to both King George IV and Queen Victoria. His highly detailed works revealed the cities and towns of Europe to his wealthy compatriots who were once again able to do a ‘Grand Tour’ following the defeat of Napoleon. One can quite understand why his views of Venice are so popular. The exhibition has some thirty works drawn from both private and public collections and has been organised by John Spink of John Spink Fine Watercolours.

Samuel Prout (1783–1852)
Ducal Palace, Venice
Circa 1828
Watercolour with scratching out
69.8 x 101.2 cm
Courtesy John Spink © John Spink

www.badafair.com

The 2017 Mayfair Antiques & Fine Art Fair

Jan4

The Mayfair Antiques & Fine Art Fair, supported by Wetherell and NFU Mutual Godalming, Westminster Ballroom, London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square, London W1, 5^th – 8^thJanuary 2017

Rare French Empire ormolu mantle timepiece of chariot form with white enamel dial forming the wheel, surmounted by Amour being pulled by two dogs, c1810,
from Richard Price.

I always enjoy both writing about and visiting this fair as it makes a great way of starting a new year. There is a tempting mixture of paintings, watercolours, silver, jewellery, sculpture, clocks and watches, glass, ceramics, rugs and 20^th century design to be seen and purchased.

Allium flower
hand-forged galvanised steel with blown glass, 2.5m or 3.2m,
from QEST scholar Jenny Pickford,

This year the fair will also be showing the skills and works of craft scholars from QEST (The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust). So you may well be digging deep into your pockets!

Egyptian Amulet of Bes,
2cm long x 1.9cm wide, Ptolemaic period, 332–30 BC,
from Ancient & Oriental

Spanish, Andalusian School, early 19th century
Spanish Guerilla Encampment, Peninsular War
oil on panel
23½” x 31½”
Original Spanish, early 19th century, carved and indistinctly signed G…. ? on a rock lower centre.
Indistinctly inscribed in Spanish on an envelope lower centre, the last word possibly being “Linares”.
Original Spanish, early 19th century, carved and gilded frame,
from Atelier

Gilt decorated amethyst decanter with matching stopper,
Russian, c1790,
from Fileman Antiques

The Harcourt Tiara,
18ct yellow gold and platinum tiara entirely set with fine white diamonds, c1900,
from The Gilded Lily

Mid 19th century walnut stool with tapestry top on raised cabriole legs, c1860,
from S&S Timms Antiques

Lincs
sycamore and acrylic colours, 7” high x4”x4”
from QEST scholar Joey Richardson

View from the Dining Room by Susan Ryder RP NEAC
oil on canvas
signed
30″ x 36″
from Manya Igel Fine Arts

Temple Guardians, signed E Bouret
bronze and ebonised wood, 39cm high, dated 1871 from Hickmet Fine Arts

A rare George III silver drum tea caddy by Andrew Fogelberg, made in London in 1773,
4.5″ x 4″ diameter (base), 13oz,
from Mary Cooke Antiques

http://www.mayfairfair.com

Masterpiece London 2016 – Preview

Jun29

Masterpiece London 2016, The Bull Ring Gate Entrance, South Grounds, The Royal Hospital Chelsea, London SW3, 30^thJune – 6^th July 2016

Nazy Vassegh, CEO of Masterpiece with J.F. Courville, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at the RBC Wealth Management
2015
Courtesy Masterpiece London

Now in its 7^th edition one can easily understand why Masterpiece has become a magnet for collectors and museum curators from around the world. There is a great emphasis on quality and connoisseurship and the pieces on show reflect more than five thousand years of art history – and yes they are for sale.

Vetting during Masterpiece London 2015
Courtesy Masterpiece London

Masterpiece’s chief executive Nazy Vassegh says: ‘I am delighted to announce so many exciting additions to this year’s fair. Masterpiece 2016 will have unrivalled depth and quality, and I am pleased that Masterpiece continues to strengthen every edition. We are looking forward to another great year.’

It truly is a must visit fair and allow yourself plenty of time because there are so many exciting things to see and tempt. Like me you may well want visit more than once.

Vetting during Masterpiece London 2015
Courtesy Masterpiece London

Over the coming days I will post varied selections of what is on show.

http://www.masterpiecefair.com

Olympia Summer Fair 2016

Jun26

The Art & Antiques Fair, Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, London W14, 27^th June – 3^rd July 2016

Opening Day, June 2015

This Fair certainly has staying power as it is in its 44^th year and continues to draw visitors in from home and abroad to see what the hundred and sixty participating dealers have to offer for their collections and homes.

Wakelin & Linfield
An unusually large late 19th century two plank Spanish table in walnut with carved decoration to the legs and original ironwork supports to the base.
L144” x W39” x H30.25”
In the region of £25000
Provenance: Orson Welles

The Fair’s Director, Mary Claire Boyd sums it up: “The Art & Antiques Fair, Olympia is London’s original, quintessential art and antiques fair. Over four decades since the event was founded, we continue to pride ourselves on offering a wider choice of high quality, vetted art, antiques, furniture and collectibles than any other event in the capital.”

Art Ancient
Large piece of Roman glass work, reflecting the heights achieved in glassblowing in the 1st-2nd Centuries AD

Among new “features” is Showcase which highlights five specially chosen galleries and dealers – Simon Pirzada (ceramics), The Parker Gallery (Fine Art), Adam Gahlin Fine Art (Modern paintings, drawings and prints), Adam Bentley (Contemporary Art) and Store Street Gallery ((Contemporary Art).

Albermarle Gallery. SOFA LONDON
Rado Kirov
Monolith
mirrored stainless steel
227 x 30 x 110 cm (89 x 12 x 43 in)

The well-known SOFA CHICAGO – a Sculpture Objects Functional Art and Design Fair (SOFA) will have a European version at this Fair as Mary Claire Boyd, explains: “We are very excited to introduce SOFA LONDON as part of The Art & Antiques Fair, Olympia for the very first time this June. SOFA is widely known in the US for its international dealers selling one-of- a-kind masterpieces. Here in London we have an elite selection of dealers who will be showcasing original works from different artists and makers using a variety of mediums. For sale will be works of art including ceramics, metal work, photography, glass works, textiles, furniture and sculptures that appear more contemporary and cutting edge than other pieces in the fair, but yet will also stand the test of time. SOFA CHICAGO attracts over 35,000 people but for those who aren’t able to cross the pond to attend we’re delighted to offer this opportunity within the UK.”

Opening Day, June 2015

According to recent research there is a resurgence in the demand for antiques and again I will share Mary Claire Boyd’s observations on this: “The world of antiques can be intimidating at first glance but this research shows that there is a real thirst for antiques. They are appreciated for the qualities they can bring to people’s homes– particularly amongst the younger generation who are frustrated with spending money on furnishings that only last a few years.

Galerie Arabesque
Three-legged ottoman inlaid table.
Provenance: estate of Eduard Starke-Pascha, Berlin-Constantinople

“While people see great benefits of purchasing antiques often they don’t realise the options and scope available to them – and the affordability. Antiques are unique, often come with a fascinating story – and add individuality to your home. They can also be combined very effectively with contemporary art and furniture.”

Gilden’s Art Gallery
JOAN MIRÓ 1893-1983
Sun Eater | Mangeur de Soleil, 1955
Original Hand Signed and Numbered Lithograph in Colours on Arches Paper
Paper size: 76.2 x 56.5 cm. / 30 x 22.3 in.

Very true indeed as many leading interior decorators would no doubt concur.

Tribal Gathering London
Mende helmet mask ‘ Sowei’. Sande society. Sierra Leone

Manning Fine Art
“Keep Calm and Carry On” poster, printed in 1939

Kate Thurlow
Louis XIV upholstered oak armchair, circa 1700
Provenance: Formerly in the collection of Yves St Laurent.

Don Kelly Books, June 2015

http://www.olympia-art-antiques.com

The 2016 Art Antiques London

Jun23

Art Antiques London, Albert Memorial West Lawn, Kensington Gardens, London SW7 (opposite the Royal Albert Hall), 24^th June – 30th June 2016

View of pavilion

It is hard to believe that this is the seventh edition of the fair founded by Anna and Brian Haughton in 2010. There are some sixty exhibitors drawn from Belgium, France, Israel, The Netherlands, the UK, of course, and the USA.

Interior view 2015

There is a wide array of objects to delight the eye and one can quite easily understand why serious collectors, museums and interior decorators return year after year. One well-loved feature of this fair is the lecture series which includes ‘Face to Face: Dame Rosalind Savill in conversation with Richard, 10th Duke of Buccleuch and 12th Duke of Queensberry’ on 27^th June.

VANESSA CLEWES SALMON MODERN & CONTEMPORARY ART
Shani Joel, born 1991
Buddha, 2014, mixed media eg ceramic embellished with shells, jewellery, butterflies, fabric etc
60cms h x 50cms w

E & H MANNERS
A Pair of Alcora Faience Plaques, 1752-64
Height: 52.7 cm, Width: 35.2 cm

LONDON GLASSBLOWING
David Reekie,
Marionette V 2013,
52 x 43 x 20 cm,

HALL-BAKKER
A pair of flower vases with silvered metal frames and original liners by the German factory WMF. c 1905.

ILLUSTRATION CUPBOARD
Oakley 1 – A Better Idea, Gouache, Watercolour & black ink on paper
by Graham Oakley

ROELL FINE ART
An important Namban sawasa reliquary crucifix, Japan, late 16th/early 17th century
Alloy of red copper, gold, silver and arsenic with black lacquer and gold
H 19.5 cm, W 14 cm, Thickness 2.6 cm

ALTEA GALLERY
A collapsible globe, John Betts,
Terrestrial globe, printed waxed cotton and metal spindle, c1925,
globe circumference: 1,260mm extended 770 m long including spindle

FAIRHEAD FINE ART LTD
1984 Silver USA Olympics Medal by Salvador Dali
Weight: 1.05 oz – containing 46.65 grams of .999 silver

BABBINGTON FINE ART
Alan Sorrell (1904-1974),
Study for the mural at the Head Office of Bovril, 1961

SAMINA INC
Spittoon, Mughal or Deccan, India, 17th century

LUCAS RARITIES
An enamel, opal, emerald, and ruby serpent pendant by Gustave-Roger Sandoz.
9.5cm X 6.5cm. Circa 1901

LOVE WOOD GALLERY
h.ollary.b.
Dreaming the Future Generations,
Cherrywood, 2.3m x 0.5m

BRIAN HAUGHTON GALLERY
White porcelain cylinders hand thrown by Gunilla Maria Akesson, leading contemporary Swedish ceramic artist. Range in size from 7 ins (18 cm) through to 18 ins.

http://www.artantiqueslondon.com

LECTURE PROGRAMME: http://www.artantiqueslondon.com/lectures

Nicholas Price at the Spring Battersea Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair

Apr17

The Spring Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair in Battersea Park, 19^th– 24^th April 2016

His Majesty (Head of a Lion)
Signed in pencil by the artist
Published in April 1888
by C.E. Clifford & Co., London
23½ x 18½ in / 59.5 x 47 cm
Exhibited: RA 1888, No. 1595

While the theme for the foyer exhibition at the Fair is of works of art and designs with a royal connection or association I thought that I would bring this rather special exhibition on the stand of Nicholas Price to your attention.

The works featured are the remarkable black-and-white etchings of twenty-five big cats, including lions, tigers and leopards by the noted wildlife artist Herbert Dicksee (1862-1942). What makes them remarkable is that Dicksee studied and drew them from life, spending long hours in London’s Zoo in Regent’s Park.

Play (Two Leopards at play)
Signed in pencil by the artist
Published in May 1907
by Frost & Reed Ltd,
19¾ x 26½ in / 50 x 67.5 cm
Exhibited: R.A. 1907, No. 1379

As Nicholas Price says: “Few artists have been able to capture the incredible majesty of lions, tigers and other big cats of the world like Herbert Dicksee. Dicksee was a naturally gifted draughtsman and a master of the art of etching, a complex printmaking technique whereby a chemical reaction is used to incise lines onto a metal plate. His etchings were produced to a remarkably high standard and combine both meticulous observation and detail with notably free facility of line. The result is both impressive and seemingly effortless.”

If you are wondering why you don’t see more of them around in galleries and elsewhere the answer lies in the fact that he instructed his daughter as his executor to destroy most of the plates for his etchings.

The Watcher on the Hill (Recumbent Tiger)
Signed in pencil by the artist
Published in January 1900
by Frost & Reed, Ltd,
18¼ x 27 in / 46.5 x 68.5 cm
Exhibited: R.A. 1900, No.1564

After the Fair the works will go on show at The Park Gallery, 26 Connaught Street, London W2 from 26^th April 26 – 6^th May 2016

www.decorativefair.com

www.pricefineart.com

http://www.theparkgallery.com

Ely House Auction

Mar18

ELY HOUSE, Fine Furniture and Decorative Arts, Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions, Ely House, 37 Dover Street, London W1, 23^rd March 2016.

George II carved walnut settee with striking scrolling arm supports finely carved with acanthus decoration and boldly carved cabriole front legs, possibly by Giles Grendey, (est. £20,000-30,000)

Taking place in a wonderful building, which has been home to Mallett since 2012, the sale offers a tempting selection of very fine English and Continental furniture as well as an array of decorative arts, including unique and unusual items.

Late 18th century Chinese porcelain punch bowl, (est. £2,000-3,000)

Viewing

Ely House, 37 Dover Street, London W1S 4NJ

Saturday 19th March, 11.00am-4.30pm

Sunday 20th March, 11.00am-4.30pm

Monday 21st March, 10.00am-5.00pm

Pair of Genoese commodes, each with two drawers decorated ‘sans traverse’ with foliate scrolls and swags on a pale green background, the scroll legs terminating in gilt sabots, 86.5cm high, 61cm deep, (est. £30,000-50,000)

http://www.dreweatts.com

The 2016 BADA Fair

Mar9

The BADA Fair, The Duke of York Square, Chelsea, London SW3, until 15^th March 2016

GRAY M.C.A
Henry Moore “Insect Wings & Ovals” Orange & Grey
9.5” x 14.5” , Rayon Crepe,
Provenance: The Ascher Collection

This is the 24^th Fair and one can certainly understand why it is such a popular event with all ages. BADA’s CEO Marco Forgione aptly sums it up saying: “we look forward to welcoming 100 leading dealers, including 11 new exhibitors, and over 18,000 visitors from around the world. BADA Fair is a brilliant opportunity for a wide range of antique buyers, collectors and interior designers to draw on the expertise of our members and select from a wide range of pieces of outstanding quality.”

TIMOTHY MILLET
London Haymarket, King’s Theatre, Prince Regent’s Box, No. 1, silver gilt pass. British c. 1815,
8.3 x 4.2 cm

This year’s charity partner is Marie Curie.

HOWARDS JEWELLERS
Sapphire and diamond suite, circa 1970
Total estimated sapphire weight: 34 carats
Total estimated diamond weight: 30 carats

JONATHAN COOPER, PARK WALK GALLERY
Tulip ‘Rococo’ Study Fiona Strickland Watercolour on vellum
9.06 x 7.09ins (23 x 18cm)

THOMAS COULBORN & SONS
Carved Giltwood Console Table by John Linnell (1729-1796), England, circa 1750
W: 125.5 cm; H: 96.5 cm; D: 58.5 cm
Provenance: The late Margaret Feilding, Beckley Park, Oxfordshire

SYLVIA POWELL DECORATIVE ARTS
Tete d’Oiseau by Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Incised ceramic, inscribed and dated underneath “Vallauris juillet 50”
Length 9cm
Provenance Marina Picasso

http://www.badafair.com

The Mayfair Antiques and Fine Art Fair

Jan6

The Mayfair Antiques & Fine Art Fair, London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square, London W1, 7^th– 10^th January 2016

Merriment by Charles Désiré Hue (1825-1883), oil on canvas, French, 35½” x 27″, signed and dated 1869,
Cambridge Fine Art

Now in its fourth year, this pleasing fair organised in association with Mayfair property specialist Wetherell, attracts some forty dealers who belong to either BADA (British Antique Dealers’ Association) or LAPADA (The Association of Art & Antiques Dealers).

Rare Spode porcelain blue gilt decorated pineapple stand, 4½” high x 9½” diameter, c1815,
Carolyn Stoddart-Scott

There is an interesting mix of periods and styles on offer which goes a long way to explain why this is a popular destination for collectors and interior decorators. Definitely a good way to start off the New Year.

Victoire an early 20th century Art Deco hand frosted glass car mascot by René Lalique, fashioned as the Spirit of the Wind, the most iconic of all René Lalique’s car mascots introduced on 18 April 1928, signed, 16cm high x 25cm long, c1930,
Hickmet Fine Arts

Rare red cross ring in 18ct gold and platinum, pavé set with twelve 0.5 carat diamonds and the red cross made up of five Burmese rubies, c1915,
T Robert

Bokhara Suzani embroidery, made as a dowry gift, Central Asia, 2.15m x 1.63m, c1850,
Aaron Nejad Antique Carpets

Late Regency period satinwood Davenport desk with original pierced gallery on well carved legs, with a secret drawer and side slide, c1825, £
Walton House Antiques