There is a variety of exciting and informative talks, book signings, tastings and other events during Masterpiece Week. New for 2012 Masterpiece London’s exhibitors have put together a series of talks which will allow visitors the opportunity to learn about important exhibits and their makers and influences. Visit www.masterpiecefair.com for more information.
Free to attend (apart from a nominal charge for the Ruinart tastings) and taking place around the fair, these short educational talks lasting around 15-20 minutes share our exhibitors’ rich knowledge and bring to life some of the mesmerising pieces on show at Masterpiece London. Whilst every endeavour will be made to ensure these events take place in a timely manner, please be sensitive to any delays which are subject to the exhibitors’ availability at the scheduled time.
Highlights from the Masterpiece show 2012 in London include
Living Arts & Crafts workshop by the Edward Barnsley Workshop (Notes: exploring the arts and crafts movement and how it influences contemporary design)
The Marquess of Cholmondeley and Dr Thierry Morel on Houghton Revisited: The Walpole Collection from Catherine the Great’s Hermitage
Scream – the influence of Edvund Munch (exhibitor Kaare Berntsen will show a version of The Scream, one of which sold in New York earlier this year for £73.9m becoming the most expensive artwork ever to be sold)
Harley Davidson – more than a motorcycle (Shaw Speed & Custom will show bespoke, customized Harley Davidsons and explore the ongoing appeal of this iconic brand)
BBC Antiques Roadshow expert Christopher Payne will talk on “How to win a gold medal – Francois Linke at the Paris Exposition Universelle 1900″
David Linley will discuss his new Horseguards desk which will be auctioned in the autumn benefiting the Princes’ Foundation
Michael Goedhius will follow up his sensational exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery with a discussion around contemporary ink painting
The Wallace Collection will present a full day symposium on the Fine Art of Collecting: A Question of Taste featuring talks by its curators including the new Director of the Wallace, Dr Christoph Vogtherr
Adrian Sasson will present two talks by his artists including Michael Eden (3D Technology artist) and Kate Malone, the renowned ceramicist
Robert Bowman will introduce his sculpture masterpieces by Rodin, Blumenfeld and Beaumont
The Safani Gallery will discuss the extraordinary find of the Posno Sarcophagus
A number of book signings will take place including BBC presenter Philip Mould (signing copies of Sleuth), Dr Pedro Dias (signing copies of Portuguese Heraldry in Ming Chinese porcelain), Kenneth Bull (signing copies of the KB Collection of Pencils – an extraordinary collection of museum quality, whimsical mechanical pencils which make their debut at Masterpiece); Carol Woolton (signing copies of Fashion for Jewels) and Rebecca Scott (signing copies of Samplers).
Fred Leighton, jewelers to the stars, will show the looks worn by Hollywood’s A list in Iconic Red Carpet Looks
Ruinart Champagne, the oldest Champagne house, will present two interactive tastings by its winemaker visiting specially for the fair from Reims and offering an opportunity to taste some of its rarer vintages. Tickets £15 available from the Fair or online in advance at https://www.moethennessy-selection.co.uk/offers/go/ruinartmc/
The Map House will present Samuel Johnson’s London illuminated by John Rocque’s magnificent 16 sheet map of 1763
Chiale Antiquariato will explore the relationship between artists and the Italian Royal Family during the 18th century.
Aktis Gallery will show how the preparatory drawings by Pierre Bonnard became the Legend of Joseph, the iconic Ballets Ruses image
Verdura will explore Duke Fulco di Verdura’s life in design and his relationships with the likes of Cole Porter, Rita Hayworth, Greta Garbo, Catherine Hepburn and the legendary Coco Chanel .
Peter Harrington will discuss the relationship between author and illustrator with particular reference to that of AA Milne and Ernest H Shepard, creators of Winnie the Pooh
Robert Young will reveal a new discovery of unique sporting plaques – appropriate to the Olympic year
Jennifer Guerrini Maraldi is a first time exhibitor at the fair and will discuss her passion for aboriginal art, presenting work by three artists who were inspired by the remote desert of Western Australia
All these talks and more are outlined at http://www.masterpiecefair.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=20&postcategoryid=541
