Category Archives: Tribal Art

Tribal Art London 2017

Tribal Art London, Mall Galleries, The Mall, London SW1, 6th – 9th September 2017

 

Joss Graham Gallery
Lau Witikau (woman’s tubular skirt) Sumba. Antique beads, shell. 20th
century

Tribal Art London has certainly grown in the ten years it has been going and will have a record twenty-three exhibitors this time. On the 9th there is a day of events and lectures on the subject of tribal tattoos. The wide appeal of these pieces to all generations is highlighted in the nearby RA exhibition Matisse in the Studio (see 21/08/2017) where one can discover the African textiles, sculptures and masks which Matisse both collected and found as a source of inspiration. Get inspired yourselves – you won’t regret it.

David Malik
Superb Lwena Staff
Angola or Zambia

 

 

Marcuson & Hall
A Burnished Terracotta Pot, 20th century
Nyoro tribe,Uganda,
Height: 23 cms

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kezhia Orege
Zulu beads, mid-19th century

Tribalartlondon.com

Ian Shaw
Suruku dance Mask
Bamana people of Southern Mali, 1920s

 

http://www.royalacademy.org.uk

Stories Unfold!

Every Object Tells a Story, 5 Cromwell Place, London SW7, until 5th July 2017

Installation view
(photo credit: Exhibition Design and Photograph by Charles Marsden-Smedley)

In May 2015 I shared with you the eponymous exhibition Oliver Hoare held at 33 Fitzroy Square, London W1 (Curiosities, 12 May 2015).  This new edition in the former studio of Sir John Lavery RA is even larger, beautifully displayed and crammed with some four hundred intriguing objects which you just do want to learn more about. There is a wonderful catalogue to help achieve that.

Installation view
(photo credit: Exhibition Design and Photograph by Charles Marsden-Smedley)

I shall let Oliver Hoare sum it up: “What is assembled here might look like a modern ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’, an assemblage of the exotic and curious from the four quarters of the world. There is an intention behind it, however, that goes beyond presenting a wide variety of curiosities. We are today linked up to all those four quarters, and while a huge amount of information is available to us, unlike to those who awaited the ships in the ports of Amsterdam, Genoa, Lisbon, London, Marseille, Seville or Venice, the horizon of what interests us seems to have shrunk. The art market is an interesting barometer of this shrinkage. The point is, therefore, that we can connect with the whole world on a more profound level than can be gained from package touring, through the possession of, and study of even the most modest objects of different cultures. The purpose of collecting, as Molière might have put it, should not be limited to becoming rich through the investment in one’s purchases, but to become enriched through the intelligent possession of what one has acquired.”

 

Installation view
(photo credit: Exhibition Design and Photograph by Charles Marsden-Smedley)

Opening hours:
Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 6pm
(Closed on Mondays (except by appointment))

www.everyobjecttellsastory.com

Tribal Art and Ceramics in London’s New Bond Street

I take pleasure in sharing these two shows with you. They are at The Fine Art Society 148 New Bond Street, London W1.

 

Gordon Reece – The Art of Collecting, until 16th June 2017 

DSC_6706
30 Zula People, Democratic Republic of Congo
Female caryatid stool
First half of the 20th century
Wood
Height 18 1/2 in (47 cm)
Provenance: Private collection, Rwanda

This collaboration with Gordon Reece the esteemed dealer in Asian and African artefacts is a veritable treat.  His love of the objects is reflected in what he buys and they are eminently liveable with as this show which sees them displayed among the Fine Art Society’s furniture and artworks skilfully proves. A great celebration of Tribal Art.

‘Installation view, including two Lega masks and a Suku standing figure’

 

DSC_6725
41 Bembe People, Democratic Republic of Congo
A rare standing reliquary figure (Muzidi)
First half of the 20th century
Cane, fibre, cloth and buttons
Height 41 in (104.1 cm)
Provenance: Private collection, USA; purchased by Gordon Reece Gallery in New York in 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hylton Nel – For Use and Display, until 16th June 2017

Hylton Nel
Cat with Pope’s shoes

The South African ceramicist Hylton Nel shows his flair for creating both useful and decorative objects. You will discern influences from Chinese, Staffordshire and European ceramics in them and he uses many ideas in their decoration whether sexual, whimsical or written prose.  A delight and one understands why his works are eagerly snapped up.

Hylton Nel
Green Tree and Figures

 

Hylton Nel
A Game of Notes

 

 

www.thefineartsociety.com/

This January two fairs, one venue:

The Winter Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair, Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park, London SW11, 24th-29th January 2017  

Pair of Louis XV Painted Bergere Armchairs - Adam Calvert Bentley

Pair of Louis XV Painted Bergere Armchairs – Adam Calvert Bentley

While I am sure that many of you will already know about this exciting regular event I always feel that it is worth reminding you that it is on.  It is a magnet for homemakers, antique collectors and, of course, interior decorators. It is the sort of fair where you find the absolutely perfect thing – which you didn’t realise you wanted until you see it.  Happy purchasing!

 

Wax Seal Tea Caddy - Adam Calvert Bentley

Wax Seal Tea Caddy – Adam Calvert Bentley

http://www.decorativefair.com

 

London Antique Rug & Textile Art Fair, Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park, London SW11, 24th -29th January 2017 

19th Century Kurdish rug from Sauj Bolaq, Kurdistan Brian Macdonald

19th Century Kurdish rug from Sauj Bolaq, Kurdistan
Brian Macdonald

In this welcome move the LARTA Fair moves to the mezzanine floor at Battersea Evolution and makes the perfect combination with the Decorative Fair downstairs.  Visitors will find a good range of collectable decorative rugs, carpets, tapestries, suzanis and embroideries and other textiles. Now that it will be a bigger event than usual there will also be some contemporary designs and a variety of tribal, Islamic and Asian artefacts, including jewellery as well. Don’t forget that the best pieces can be seen online in a ‘virtual fair’ which becomes live when the fair opens.

An early 1800’s Epigonation (in Greek meaning “over the knee”) vestment, worked in silver gilt on a red velvet ground. Marilyn Garrow

An early 1800’s Epigonation (in Greek meaning “over the knee”) vestment, worked in silver gilt on a red velvet ground.
Marilyn Garrow

http://www.larta.net

 

BOOK REVIEW: Going Once

Going Once: 250 Years of Culture, Taste and Collecting at Christie’s

 going-once-jacket

ISBN: 978 0 7148 7202 5

Phaidon

£39.95

 

What better way to celebrate two hundred and fifty years as a leading art business than through the two hundred and fifty objects selected for this book.  It is a wonderful survey of these remarkable sales and the high prices achieved whether for a 3,000-year-old Assyrian frieze or Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz. Paintings, furniture, gold and silver, sculpture, wine, even a London Routemaster bus are included.  One feature I like is that as well as giving the original sale price they also give today’s equivalent value.

 

This is a great book to dip into time and time again as there is much to learn and enjoy from it.

phaidon.com

The 2016 PAD LONDON

PAD LONDON, Berkeley Square, London W1, 3rd-9th October 2016

 

Matrice, Patrice, 2015 Fabrice Hyber, Vase d'Igny Pièces uniques, porcelaine Hight: 40 cm, diamètre: 11 cm Courtesy of Sevres

Matrice, Patrice, 2015
Fabrice Hyber, Vase d’Igny
Pièces uniques, porcelaine
Hight: 40 cm, diamètre: 11 cm
Courtesy of Sevres

This is the tenth edition of this Fair which combines design and art in a special way that appeals to international collectors.  Some sixty-six international galleries are taking part, including fourteen newcomers.

Christopher Duffy Abyss Horizon, 2016 High grade wood from Forest Stewardship Council managed forests and other controlled sources, glass, Courtesy of Sarah Myerscough

Christopher Duffy
Abyss Horizon, 2016
High grade wood from Forest Stewardship Council managed forests and other controlled sources, glass,
Courtesy of Sarah Myerscough

Among the latter is Sarah Myerscough who brings an exciting group of sculptural pieces to the Fair.  The Opera Gallery, also a newcomer, is bringing a display of works by Picasso and Léger as well as examples of Pop Art.

Fernand Leger Les Quatre Acrobates, 1954 Courtesy of Opera Gallery

Fernand Leger
Les Quatre Acrobates, 1954
Courtesy of Opera Gallery

Whether you are looking for an artefact from the 1st Millennium BC or the latest contemporary design PAD is the place to come to.

Nic Fiddian Green Dawn, 2016 Pendant, Blue Chrysomenlanite and 18k gold Courtesy of Louisa Guinness Gallery

Nic Fiddian Green
Dawn, 2016
Pendant, Blue Chrysomenlanite and 18k gold
Courtesy of Louisa Guinness Gallery

 

Exceptional Large Fruit Tray in Stoneware. Unique Piece. Jane Levy - Sevres Manufacture France, Sevres, dated 1939 H tray : 9 cm / 3.5 in. L tray : 69 cm / 27.2 in. D tray : 52 cm / 20.5 in. H fruits max : cm / in. Courtesy of DIDIER LUTTENBACHER , Atelier DL

Exceptional Large Fruit Tray in Stoneware. Unique Piece.
Jane Levy – Sevres Manufacture
France, Sevres, dated 1939
H tray : 9 cm / 3.5 in.
L tray : 69 cm / 27.2 in.
D tray : 52 cm / 20.5 in.
H fruits max : cm / in.
Courtesy of DIDIER LUTTENBACHER , Atelier DL

 

http://www.pad-fairs.com

Woolley & Wallis in London

Woolley & Wallis, Mayfair Office, Second Floor, 17 Clifford Street, London, W1S 3RQ

Woolley & Wallis - In Mayfair

Woolley & Wallis – In Mayfair

The noted Salisbury firm of auctioneers are opening an office in Mayfair to deal with enquiries from international and London-based clients. They will have special viewings and exhibitions, including one for this year’s Asian Art in London.

Please note it is open by appointment only for which you need to contact the relevant department.

http://www.woolleyandwallis.co.uk

The 2016 Tribal Art London

Tribal Art London, Mall Galleries, The Mall, London SW1, 1st– 4th September 2016

Jeremy Sabine A 19th century Zulu wooden vessel carved from a single block of wood with no joins, half a metre tall

Jeremy Sabine
A 19th century Zulu wooden vessel carved from a single block of wood with no joins, half a metre tall

Here is a selection of items for sale at this year’s Tribal Art London fair which features twenty two international dealers and is the only specialist fair of its kind in the UK.

Arjmand Aziz A contemporary work interpreting the Songlines traced by women making their way to the important Western Desert Ancestral site of Munni Munni, by Marlene Young Nungurrayi, born 1971

Arjmand Aziz
A contemporary work interpreting the Songlines traced by women making their way to the important Western Desert Ancestral site of Munni Munni, by Marlene Young Nungurrayi, born 1971

 

David Malik A powerfully abstract mbulu ngulu reliquary figure of the Kota people, Gabon, West Africa

David Malik
A powerfully abstract mbulu ngulu reliquary figure of the Kota people, Gabon, West Africa

 

Kapil Jariwala A remarkable Peruvian tapestry surviving from the middle centuries of the first millennia, woven from alpaca wool and cotton, made by the people of the Chimu culture of Lambayeque, on the Northern coast of Peru

Kapil Jariwala
A remarkable Peruvian tapestry surviving from the middle centuries of the first millennia, woven from alpaca wool and cotton, made by the people of the Chimu culture of Lambayeque, on the Northern coast of Peru

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bryan Reeves An early hyena mask from Bambara, Mali

Bryan Reeves
An early hyena mask from Bambara, Mali

 

Marcuson & Hall A rare sleeping mat depicting trains, carriages and people woven by the Yombe, Democratic Republic of Congo

Marcuson & Hall
A rare sleeping mat depicting trains, carriages and people woven by the Yombe, Democratic Republic of Congo

tribalartlondon.com

MASTERPIECE 2016: SELECTION 4

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

 

Patrick & Ondine Mestdagh Wasekaseka necklace Fiji Islands 18th century Whaletooth Courtesy Patrick & Ondine Mestdagh

Patrick & Ondine Mestdagh
Wasekaseka necklace
Fiji Islands
18th century
Whaletooth
Courtesy Patrick & Ondine Mestdagh

 

Gladwell & Patterson Alfred Sisley. French (1839-1899) Le Loing à Moret signed and dated 'Sisley.85' (lower right) Oil on canvas, 18” x 21½”, 46 x 55.5 cms

Gladwell & Patterson
Alfred Sisley. French (1839-1899)
Le Loing à Moret
signed and dated ‘Sisley.85’ (lower right)
Oil on canvas, 18” x 21½”, 46 x 55.5 cms

 

Koopman Rare Art A Magnificent Pair of Victorian Marine Table Centre Dessert Bowls Silver, wood & ivory London, 1838-1848 Maker's mark of Paul Storr and John Samuel Hunt for Storr & Mortimer, Width: 35.5cm., 14in. Each engraved with the crest of Tollemache for John Jervis Tollemache, 1st Baron Tollemache

Koopman Rare Art
A Magnificent Pair of Victorian Marine Table Centre Dessert Bowls
Silver, wood & ivory
London, 1838-1848
Maker’s mark of Paul Storr and John Samuel Hunt for Storr & Mortimer,
Width: 35.5cm., 14in.
Each engraved with the crest of Tollemache for John Jervis Tollemache, 1st Baron Tollemache

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mallett Antiques An Important George III Ormulu-Mounted Marquetry Commode Attributed to Mayhew and Ince, England, circa 1765 Courtesy of Mallett Antiques

Mallett Antiques
An Important George III Ormulu-Mounted Marquetry Commode Attributed to Mayhew and Ince, England, circa 1765
Courtesy of Mallett Antiques

 

Whitford Fine Art Clive Barker Torso of Marianne Faithfull 1975 Chrome plated brass and bronze 61 cm high Unique Courtesy Whitford Fine Art

Whitford Fine Art
Clive Barker
Torso of Marianne Faithfull
1975
Chrome plated brass and bronze
61 cm high
Unique
Courtesy Whitford Fine Art

 

William Agnew & Co Joseph Nollekens The Eyebrow and the Courtesan c.1796 Courtesy William Agnew & Co

William Agnew & Co
Joseph Nollekens
The Eyebrow and the Courtesan
c.1796
Courtesy William Agnew & Co

 

Ben Wright A group of rare vintage Heuers from 1965-1975 Courtesy Ben Wright

Ben Wright
A group of rare vintage Heuers from 1965-1975
Courtesy Ben Wright

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.masterpiecefair.com

Masterpiece London 2016 – Preview

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

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 7th 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

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

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