LONDON.- Twelve leading galleries from the United States have signed on to exhibit at this summers
Masterpiece London, the yearly art, antiques and design fair renowned for the pre-eminence of its selections. Returning to Masterpiece London are Kentshire Galleries, Michele Beiny, Les Enluminures, Safani Gallery, Elle Shushan, Tambaran Gallery, A La Vielle Russie and The Silver Fund. First-time participants include The Merrin Gallery, Fred Leighton, Siegelson, and Sperone Westwater, who will share a stand with Alberto di Castro, the Roman dealer, juxtaposing contemporary art with antiques. Says Thomas Woodham Smith, co-founder and Creative Director of Masterpiece London: The reputation of these eleven galleries in their respective fields is utterly unsurpassed.
Masterpiece London is no ordinary antiques fair but a forum for distinctive design and aesthetic excellence from all around the world. The fair showcases the best of the best in fine and decorative arts, along with premium collectors items such as classic cars, fine wines, jewelry, and exemplary design. Building on its stunning successes in 2010 and 2011and in the middle of what promises to be Londons most exciting summer ever (centered around both The Olympics and The Queens Diamond Jubilee) Masterpiece London returns in 2012 to the South Grounds of The Royal Hospital Chelsea, London SW3. Masterpiece London runs from June 28 July 4, 2012. A Preview will take place on June 27.
In addition to the 12 U.S. galleries, Masterpiece London 2012 will also launch the fairs first American Committee. Thomas Woodham-Smith announced that Committee co-chairs include Geoffrey Bradfield, Mario Buatta, Ellie Cullman, Jamie Drake, Audrey Gruss, Susan Gutfreund, Scott Snyder, and Rose Tarlow. The participation of these design luminaries on our American Committee is indisputable testimony that Masterpiece London offers one of the most outstanding collections in the world, says Woodham Smith.
By providing visitors the opportunity to discover and acquire prized pieces gathered from everywhere, Masterpiece London ranks as a world-class event that has firmly restored Londons vital position as a focal point in the global art and antiques market. With its spectacular line-up of international dealers and capacity for up to 160 exhibitors, Masterpiece London is set to exhilarate collectors and new enthusiasts from around globe. From Bugatti to bronzes, from Cartier to Cognac, from Picasso to pink diamonds, the choice is as endless as it is unquestionable.
Before the fair opens, each and every piece is stringently vetted by a panel of experts, giving purchasers every confidence in their selections. Affirms Thomas Woodham-Smith: Both a lack of transparency and the unregulated nature of the market can be major anxieties, not only to novice buyers but even well-informed and established collectors. To relieve any doubts, says Woodham-Smith, all the items on show undergo a painstaking vetting process that is at the backbone Masterpiece London, guaranteeing that every buyer departs with full confidence in the soundness of their acquisitions.
Not only will a visitor to Masterpiece London 2012 be spoilt by a trove of magnificent exhibits to discover, there will also be a complimentary education program of informative lectures offered by leading experts, including those from The Wallace Collection in London. Besides the expertise of these authorities, Masterpiece London visitors will have the opportunity to draw on the knowledge of the exhibitors themselves, each of whom has a well-informed background in their fields. And should a hunger pang arise during all the browsing and learning, visitors can find an outstanding range of fine dining right on the premises of London Masterpiece, courtesy of Urban Caprice, including the venerable names of Le Caprice, Harrys Bar, Scotts and the Mount Street Deli.
Masterpiece London will take place from June 28 July 4 2012 (with a Preview only on June 27) on the South Groun ds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, London SW3.