LONDON.- Ronald Phillips Ltd , one of the world’s leading antique galleries handling some of the most important pieces of English Antique Furniture has released some of the finest examples of craftsmanship and design that will be displayed on the company’s stand at Masterpiece London dating between 1660 and 1820.

Masterpiece London returns to the world’s capital of culture in June 2014 to celebrate its 5th anniversary. This year the fair will present the finest art, design, antique furniture, precious jewels and collector’s items from over 150 selected and internationally renowned galleries. Visitors will see classic cars alongside the latest Maserati; furniture by the prodigious makers jostling for attention with 21st century pieces; breath taking jewels by Faberge, Cartier and Sterlé; and paintings of museum quality and rarity. Collaborating with Urban Caprice the fair will also feature world-class restaurants, including, Scott’s, Le Caprice and The Ivy; providing an exceptional cultural, culinary and social experience for the discerning and distinguished clientele.

The Masterpiece Marie Curie Party will take place on Monday 30th June, the second year that the charity has been the beneficiary. In 2013 the Midsummer Party, chaired by Heather Kerzner, raised a record of £840,000.

Simon Phillips, who took over the Mayfair firm from his father Ronald over fifteen years ago says: “It has become increasingly difficult in recent years to find great pieces of English furniture, but within this exhibition there is a wonderful cross-section of important and rare English furniture and objects.”

They’re also a savvy buy, “Antiques are doing very well-but they have to be the best,” he says. “The best are going up. Some pieces have been a phenomenal investment. If you buy a great piece, good provenance, good quality and genuine, it should rise in value,” says Simon Phillips, although he states, “items should be purchased primarily to enjoy and not as an investment.”

Prices will range between £5,000 and £2,800,000. The collection for the exhibition promises to be a magical history of narcissism and decoration- and a celebration of England craftsmanship. Some of the most exciting finds include a mid 18th century desk armchair of almost certain Chippendale provenance priced at £235,000 and an imposing pair of ‘tiger stone’ candle vases made by the iconic maker Matthew Boulton priced at £320,000. Ronald Phillips have also revealed an extremely unusual Regency lacquer bookcase of a circular design and a Chinoiserie Soho tapestry that dates back to 1715. Ronald Phillips’ stand at Masterpiece London of 40 lots will pay homage to Simon’s exceptional eye and expertise. Simon’s interest in and knowledge of English decorative arts is wide-ranging enabling him to successfully source the very finest furniture and works of art, which are invariably united by his unerring and intuitive sense of what makes them special; providing a wealth of opportunities for international collectors and interior designers and the rich and varied array of items will suit many tastes.

The fair will run concurrently with the launch of Ronald Phillips’ annual catalogue, a hard bound coffee-table style book of 140 lots, that is destined to museums, royalty decorators and private collectors around the world, which includes stunning images and fascinating information about the techniques and time in in which the furniture was created; representing the continuing search for excellence in the English Antique Furniture Market.

Simon Phillips served as the Chairman at the Grosvenor House Art and Antiques Fair and is one of the founders of Masterpiece London. As the first major event to link museum-quality antique furniture, works of art, luxury jewellery, automobile and design brands Simon Phillips believes “Masterpiece London has raised the bar and established a new business model for the 21st century. It is now a ‘destination’ event- attracting the discerning art and antique shoppers as well as those seeking an enjoyable afternoon or evening surrounded by the world’s most esteemed brands, fine art and masterworks of antiquity and modern.”