Words: Gentleman's Journal
Masterpiece, London’s unmissable art fair at which visitors can view and buy the finest works of art, antiques, design and jewellery, is this year launching MASTERPIECE PRESENTS, a new large-scale exhibition dedicated to showcasing specially commissioned pieces, such as Impenetrable Room, 2017, by Iván Navarro.
But, offering an unparalleled opportunity for new and established collectors, the wider fair also holds many wonders and exceptional works for sale yet again. A range of price points and 150 international exhibitors – new faces include Gregg Baker, David Aaron and Robin Katz – sees compelling shared presentations; works on paper by important artists and modern British art, as well as extraordinary outdoor sculpture. Here’s our pick of the best:
The Fair’s emphasis on cross-collecting is highlighted by a number of exhibitors, who will present carefully curated shared gallery stands. Safani Gallery Inc and Geoffrey Diner Gallery will present a mix of antiquities juxtaposed with iconic 20th century and contemporary design. Highlights on their stand include a Greek Marble Head of Demeter from 400 BC, and a free form Condoid Bench by George Nakashima, 1973.
Discovery is a significant element of Masterpiece. Vertes, will bring an Alexander Calder that has been in private hands since 1976 when the artist personally gifted it to Paul L. Meaders III, who visited Calder in France to prepare the artist’s will. Since then, it has been passed on only though inheritance.
Agnews, who will present an exhibition focused on works by leading Pre-Raphaelites, will display a unique watercolour work Proserpine, 1878, by Rossetti. The artist described this work as one of his favourite creations, and it is a unique example of Rossetti’s later works as he rarely used watercolour after 1860.
Masterpiece is an important destination for collectors of modern British art with works by Allen Jones, Henry Moore, Bridget Riley, David Hockney and Lucian Freud shown by leading specialists Offer Waterman, Thomas Gibson Fine Art, Robin Katz, Osborne Samuel, Pangolin London and Hazlitt Holland-Hibbert.
Works on paper by important artists, including Picasso, Lichtenstein, Keith Haring and Warhol will be presented at Sims Reed Gallery, Long-Sharp Gallery and William Weston Gallery. Early monochrome works by David Hockney will be seen at Lyndsey Ingram Gallery whilst iconic vintage photography will be presented at Bernheimer Fine Art and Peter Fetterman Gallery.
Highlights include a black varnished, red leather and brass bar cabinet on skis by Paul Dupré Lafon, 1929, brought by Dutko Gallery, and a pair of chairs by Ib Kofoed Larsen named after Queen Elizabeth II, shown by Modernity. Designed in 1956, they were renamed the Elizabeth armchairs after the Queen and Prince Philip purchased a pair during a state visit to Copenhagen in 1958.
The original pair are still in the Royal Collection today. Visitors can admire and purchase icons of mid-century design at Gallery Anne Autegarden, 88-Gallery, Galerie Chastel-Márechal, Galerie Willy Huybrechts, Robertaebasta and Galerie Marcilhac.
Collectors can acquire exquisite 19th and 20th bronzes by François Pompon, Auguste Rodin and Rembrandt Bugatti at Xavier Eeckhout, Sladmore Gallery and Univers du Bronze. Masterpiece continues to be one of the best places to view and buy the finest ancient sculpture available from specialists such as Axel Vervoordt, Ariadne Galleries, David Ghezelbash Archéologie, Rupert Wace Ancient Art, David Aaron and Galerie Chenel.
Masterpiece London runs from 29 June to 5 July. Find out more here.
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
