Buying antiques in the park

An annual event, Art Antiques London 2016 is held in a beautiful bespoke pavilion purpose-built next to the Albert Memorial in the Kensington Gardens. This special event with around 70 exhibitors showcases an extensive range of glass art, antiques, paintings and sculptures.

The majority of the exhibitors is British, complemented by several European and American art dealers adding to the international character of the art fair. A full lecture programme makes sure that visitors will have a variety of ways to discover the art and antiques they appreciate. The fair is a strictly vetted sumptuous summer showcase where visitors and collectors alike will be assured of the high quality of the works on offer.

A week after the by now famous Brexit decision we noticed an unusual low outcome for the fair. We were able to see all the art and antiques in their full glory without having to stand shoulder to shoulder with other admirers. Unfortunate for Haughton International Fairs, who organises the event, and its exhibitors but a refreshing experience for yours truly.

We have highlighted the most interesting exhibitors of the fair for you:

 _{Hubert Vos, Portrait of a Punjabi in British India, circa 1898}

Röell Fine Art – This Dutch art dealer from  Maastricht offers luxury goods from the  former trading posts in the former Dutch East  Indies, English West and East Indies, China  and Japan. The mostly 17th-19th century goods are of extraordinary quality. His centrepiece this year was a painting by Hubert Vos (1855-1935) named “Portrait of a Punjabi in British India”, circa 1898.

Manya Igel Fine Arts – Specialised in Traditional Modern British Art, Manya Igel Fine Arts offers works by Royal Academicians, Members of the New English Art Club as well as other renowned and acclaimed artists. Absolute eye-catcher wasn’t a flat work of art but the lovely, elegant lady representing Manya Igel. Her knowledge and enthusiasm was spot on and should we need to name a favourite work of art it would be the much loved by her Frederick Gore’s ‘Vineyard, Bonnieux’.

Peter Layton London Glassblowing – The gallery and studio offers a broad display of the best contemporary glass art imaginable. It is one of Europe’s longest running hot-glass studios an should you be in London, visiting the gallery and studio on Bermondsey Street is a must-do.