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Sellers unite to revive great London art fair
Lucy Tobin05.11.09
Art and antique dealers are joining forces with international retailers to reinvent the art fair in London.
Following the demise of the long-running Grosvenor House Art Fair, Masterpiece London is set to enter the market with a giant event in the parade ground of Chelsea Barracks.
The event is being organised by a consortium including Bond Street art and antiques dealer Mallett and has attracted retailers such as supercar maker McLaren and jeweller Asprey.
The goods on offer from 150 stands next June will include wine, classic cars and jewellery, with big brands selling alongside boutique dealers.
Organiser Giles Hutchinson Smith, chief executive of Mallett, said London "was the city with the best art and antiques dealers in the world" and predicted the fair "will be as great for London as it will be for the industry". Many dealers were shocked at Grosvenor House's decision to end its art fair - removing a key selling opportunity - after 75 years.
Mr Hutchinson Smith said London was "crying out for a reinvention of a great art fair" and promised that Masterpiece London would bring in the "best of the best" to buy and sell art.
He said: "There has been a reshuffling of the deck. Many antiques and art buyers and sellers have changed and that creates opportunities. This fair will provide a unique opportunity to buy some of the world's finest pieces under one roof."
