Masterpiece combines world-class art (classical to contemporary) with the very best in decorative arts and some of the most extravagant luxury design. This outrageously eclectic event is perhaps the best showcase of truly diverse cross collecting in the art calendar. Here is my cross-collection of stands and works not miss at Masterpiece 2015:
Richard Green
New to the fair, Richard Green has brought a stunning batch of work to his stall by way of introduction. With 13 Lowrys on display as well as an un-catalogued and unseen work by Claude Monet – two pastel pictures, one with a hitherto unidentified sketch on the reverse. This is a stand not to be missed.
Previously unidentified Monet sketch on reverse of pastel drawing, c. 1868
Offer Waterman & Co
With the first major retrospective in 50 years of Barbara Hepworth opening this month at the Tate Britain, Offer Waterman display of work by the sculptor prove a timely recap of her extraordinary way with bronze. Honorable mentions to R.B. Kitaj and Grayson Perry amongst others who feature.
Barbara Hepworth, Reclining Form, 1958
Ben Wright
Clock dealer Ben Wright is selling remarkable clocks by Liverpudlian horologist James Condliff, regarded as the father of English skeleton clocks. The highlight of this trove is the Scoresby Condliff, gifted to the explorer, whaler and scientist William Scoresby.
The Scoresby Condliff, 1883
Godson & Coles
This stand hosts one of the fair’s highlights - a historical and rare George III period cabinet that belonged to Henry William Paget, second in command to Wellington at Waterloo. Paget (otherwise known as Earl of Uxbridge) is famous for having coined the popular phrase “My God Sir, I’ve lost my leg!”.
George III Cabinet owned by Henry William Paget, Earl of Uxbridge, c. 1790
Asian Art in London
Featuring a collective of Asian Art specialists, this stand is filled with gems including Maqbool Fida Husain’s imposing painting Fertility. Inspired by the American modernists, Husain co-founded the Bombay Progressive Artists Group and went on to change the face of Indian art and film
Magbool Fida Husain, Fertility, c. 1967
Brun Fine Art
Without doubt, my favorite stand – Brun has embraced Masterpiece’s post-modernist mentality and has commissioned a neo classical, wallpapered temple to house a diverse range of work by the likes Robert Delaunay, Pietro Tenerani and Francois Rude.
Brun Fine Art Stand
James Elwes is Creative Director of ELX Art, a consultancy that works with private and commercial patrons and visual artists to develop bespoke commissions, events and art sponsorship opportunities. To learn more, visit the ELX website (elx-art.com). To discuss the a potential commission, contact James on je@elx-art.com
6 of the best pieces from the Battersea Affordable Art Fair 2015
Art without the expense: James Elwes picks six of the best pieces at Battersea this week.
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