LONDON.- For the seventh consecutive year,
Art Antiques London returns to Kensington Gardens, London SW7 from Friday 24th June to Thursday 30th June 2016. Organised by the London-based international fair organisers, Anna and Brian Haughton the fair takes place in a purpose-built pavilion at Albert Memorial West Lawn, Kensington Gardens, London SW7.
Launched in 2010, winning praise for its central location light, airy and relaxed atmosphere and stylish presentation, Art Antiques London has cultivated an ardent following of collectors, art consultants, museum experts, interior decorators and the public alike earning it a reputation as one of the most desirable antiques fairs of the London summer season.
Over 60 specialist international dealers from America, Europe and the UK are showcasing their finest wares including furniture, paintings, textiles, jewellery, silver, ceramics, carpets, antique boxes, rare books, modern and contemporary objets d'art and many other decorative objects. New exhibitors welcomed at this year's fair include picture dealers, Babbington Fine Art and Freya Mitton and Yvel Jewellers from Israel. All works are for sale.
Showcasing works spanning the centuries this year's highlights include a unique ceramic bird by Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) entitled Tête d'Oiseau. Inscribed Vallauris and dated Juillet 50, this model was cast in bronze in an edition of 2 and is shown by Sylvia Powell. A collection of the finest porcelain from Brian Haughton Gallery includes an extremely rare pair of large scale Bow models of a cockerel and hen, modelled after the Meissen originals by J J Kaendler. Amongst the fine English furniture on Christopher Buck Antiques's stand is a fine William and Mary period oyster-cut laburnum chest of drawers, c 1685 as well as a fine quality mid 18th century large mahogany tripod table with unusually carved legs, c 1750. Plenty of Asian works of art around the fair to catch the key include a Japanese bronze rooster, signed by Ishida Yoshiaki 石田美明 from the Meiji period (1868-1912) with Laura Bordignon as well as a selection of Chinese silk textiles, mostly made for the Court, ranging in date from the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) to the late Qing period (1644-1911) from Jacqueline Simcox.
For a glimpse of the broader culture of the ancient western world, Ted Few is exhibiting the Hohenzollern Collection of ancient bronze statuettes from Sigmaringen, Germany - a group of 45 small ancient bronzes. A rare St James's scent bottle, modelled as a girl leaning against a vine holding a bunch of grapes, c 1750-1759 can be found with Robyn Robb. Some magnificent items of jewellery include an Art Deco parrot Jabot pin made by Cartier London in 1925 with its original green leather Cartier box and a fabulous Art Deco diamond feather clip, c 1930 from Licht and Morrison. A wide selection of Modern British, contemporary and Victorian paintings to choose from include 'Black & White Movement' by Sir Terry Frost RA (1915-2003) on Freya Mitton's stand and Standing Figure by Keith Vaughan CBE (1912-1977) with Vanessa Clewes Salmon.
An exciting new feature to the fair this year is the addition of members of the Cotswolds Art & Antiques Dealers' Association (CADA). Well-known for their wealth of knowledge and experience and for dealing in the very best antiques the Cotswolds has to offer, they will be joining an elite band of top international dealers to compliment the many disciplines of the fair. John Howard, Harry Moore Gwyn, Delomosne & Son Ltd and Hampton Antiques are already CADA members exhibiting at the fair and being joined this year by Heirloom & Howard, David Pickup and Hall- Bakker Decorative Arts.
A magnificent diamond cut magnum decanter with an engraved crest on the stopper, which can comfortably take two bottles, is one of the highlights of English antique glass with Delomosne & Son Ltd. Heirloom & Howard, specialists in Chinese armorial porcelain, are bringing a Chinese export tureen with cover and stand from the Daoguang period, c1825. Specialists in antique boxes, Hampton Antiques is bringing a coromandel games compendium, commissioned and made in 1880 with the initial plate featuring a Marquess coronet.
The Fair's spectacular pop-up restaurant 1851, catered by EventOracle, has been described as having the 'best location in London' will once again dazzle visitors with its delicious menu and breathtaking view. The fair's superb lecture programme is a particular feature of the Fair, underpinning the Fair's strong academic associations.