Masterpiece London goes online: what to look out for at the world’s biggest cross-collecting art fair
This year, artists, collectors and enthusiasts from across the world can access the thoroughly British, multidisciplinary fair
Ordinarily this week, Royal Hospital Gardens in Chelsea would be awash with Rembrandt, Twombly, Cartier and clinking champagne flutes, for Masterpiece London’s annual cross-disciplinary art fair.
For the first time in its 12-year history, Masterpiece London has gone digital. From 22-28 June, visitors can browse exceptional works of art, design, furniture and fine jewellery online, from 138 global exhibitors.
Highlights include contemporary fine jewellery by Taiwan’s Cindy Chao and Geneva’s Roberto Boghossian, as well as High Jewellery collections from Van Cleef & Arpels, Belperron and dazzling vintage works by the late Andrew Grima, renowned for his bold and flamboyant designs during the sixties and seventies.
Also look out for contemporary artworks by Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso from Long Sharp Gallery, hailing from Indianapolis and New York, and furniture from Modernity, Sweden’s leading post-modernist gallery, which also boasts a showroom on Cavendish Square in London.
Viewing rooms are being hosted by Artsy, while an additional digital programme includes virtual tours, private viewings and video interviews with leading exhibitors. These include Burlington Arcade’s Somlo London, which specialises in antique and vintage timepieces, Dover Street’s Richard Saltoun Gallery and Mayfair’s Shapero Rare Books. There will also be online panel discussions hosted by leading institutions including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, National Gallery, Design Museum and Hong Kong Museum of Art.
Viewers are being asked to donate to the newly created Masterpiece Cultural Fund, which is raising money to support museums that have been forced to close during the coronavirus pandemic. The proceeds, along with a contribution by Masterpiece of 25 per cent, will be donated to museums across four countries. In London, this includes the National Gallery and the Victoria & Albert Museum.
Option to recreate Masterpiece London’s usual Perrier-Jouët Champagne Terrace from home is at one’s own discretion.