THE LAPADA FAIR 2017

LAPADA Art & Antiques Fair, Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London W1, 15th-20th September 2017

Once again Mayfair’s Berkeley Square plays host to the LAPADA Fair – can you believe it’s their ninth year there, time really does go by quickly?

Among the 110 plus participants at the fair bringing a tempting mixture of art and antiques from all periods is Mackinnon Fine Furniture and I thought you would be interested to see this pair of George II chairs known as the Newhailes House Armchairs which they are showing at the Fair. Dating from c1750-55 their mahogany frames are beautifully carved and pierced and have Chinoiserie stretchers. They are upholstered in their original signed Aubusson tapestry covers.

The chairs, originally a set of four, were acquired by the first Lord Hailes at a sale of the contents of his aunt’s house in Greek Street and remained at Newhailes House until c1928. They were in various American collections, including the Walter P Chrysler Collection.

Slightly earlier in date are these very important George II mahogany armchairs of c1745 which come from Warwick Castle and were part of suite acquired in the 18th century for the castle and where some can still be seen in the Cedar Drawing Room. They are upholstered in early 18th century Genoese silk velvet.

Whoever buys these chairs is going to be very lucky and have many years pleasure in owning them.

 

www.mackinnonfineart.com

http://lapadalondon.com

A Celebration of Tea Drinking

LAPADA Art & Antiques Fair 2016, Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London W1, 13th – 18th September 2016

Famille Verte Teapot China, Kangxi period, ca.1690

Famille Verte Teapot
China, Kangxi period, ca.1690

Now in its eighth year this popular fair is the place to find fine pieces from across all disciplines. It is therefore appropriate that this year there is a select group of highlights from the Chitra Collection which celebrates tea over the centuries through the vessels and other paraphernalia involved in its drinking and preparation.

Tea Caddy, boîte à thé Sèvres, Louis-Jean Thévenet (painter) France, c. 1765

Tea Caddy, boîte à thé
Sèvres, Louis-Jean Thévenet (painter)
France, c. 1765

This is the first time pieces from the collection have been shown in the UK and its curator Olivia Fryman has selected items that reflect the long history of this beverage. Starting with the beginnings of the tea story in China and Japan, we then pass on to the growing interest and consumption of it in Europe (Catherine of Braganza, Charles II’s wife, introduced tea to this country) in the 17th and 18th centuries and then go on to see how it played an important role in the story of the British Empire. The last piece of this story looks at the global interest, especially in Russia and America, and how tea became a part of everyday life for many.

Copper Gilt Mounted Chinese Porcelain Teapot China and Germany, Kangxi period (1654 - 1722), mounts ca.1680

Copper Gilt Mounted Chinese Porcelain Teapot
China and Germany, Kangxi period (1654 – 1722), mounts ca.1680

The collection has been put together by the London-based businessman Nirmal Kumar Sethia, who says “The Chitra Collection will continue to inspire generations of tea lovers long after I’m gone. It is my wish that, for centuries to come, the world will be able to appreciate and experience the beauty and significance of tea, art and culture”. His interest has continued since he first started working as an apprentice tea buyer in London, aged 14. He started the luxury tea company Newby Teas in 2000.

Cup and saucer Meissen, J. G. Höroldt (painter) Germany, c. 1722-3

Cup and saucer
Meissen, J. G. Höroldt (painter)
Germany, c. 1722-3

There are in excess of 1700 tea-related objects in the collection which was named in memory of his late wife and I think you may agree from the selection illustrated here that it is a fascinating subject.

Teapot Royal Worcester, George Owen and Samuel Ranford England, 1878

Teapot
Royal Worcester, George Owen and Samuel Ranford
England, 1878

lapadalondon.com

Silver kettle and stand Paul de Lamerie England, 1751

Silver kettle and stand
Paul de Lamerie
England, 1751