Masterpiece London, 2017

29th June – 5th July 2017

Last night I visited Masterpiece London, the annual art and antiques fair, for the first time. Now in its eighth year, the venue in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea brought together 153 of the leading galleries and dealers from London and internationally. Spanning 7,000 years the objects on display here cover Ancient sculpture, Medieval manuscripts to Pop Art jewellery and Contemporary installation. Oh, and a yacht.

The Masterpiece marquee in the south ground of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, London.

The classically-clad marquee was luxurious inside, with cream carpets and beautifully presented displays (I found myself admiring how well lit the artworks were). Although a little overwhelming in terms of the quantity on show and the amount of money I would need to buy all the things that I coveted, it was an inspirational and immersive experience. The fusion of past and present with treasures from around the world was really striking, and provided a unique opportunity for me to see (though not purchase) such a broad range of artworks in one place.

Greek marble head of Demeter, 4th century BC, exhibited by Gladwell & Patterson, London.

Nudo femminile con pelle di tigre (study) by Giovanni Boldini, oil on canvas, on sale with Trinity House Paintings.

Evangelist Saint by Cecco di Pietro, c.1390-95, tempera on panel and ground gold, exhibited by Galerie G. Sarti, Paris.

Butchoff London, who specialise in 18th and 19th century furniture and decorative arts.

High up on my wishlist, gilt terracotta 18th century saints by Tommaso Righi.

Didier Ltd. London deal in jewellery designed or made by 20th century artists. This yellow gold ring by Salvador Dalí is encrusted in diamonds.

A Happy Awakening by John William Godward, 1903, oil on canvas. Also on the wishlist!

Find out more here: www.masterpiecefair.com