Once again the highlight of our summer – Masterpiece – in Chelsea is not going ahead in its physical form.  We have been asked to send 12 pieces to their online gallery and this outstanding lime wood carving by James Peake (c.1839-1918) is one of our choices.  A  fulsome contemporary account of an exhibition in 1899, in the Kentish Mercury, stated that 'Mr Peake's wood carving, and especially his groups of fruit and flowers, formed an especially attractive feature.  Botanists who inspected the work expressed warm admiration of the truthfulness to nature, exquisite delicacy of execution and artistic taste displayed in grouping.'

Meanwhile, we have some wonderful new stock including this Regency ‘Egyptian style’ longcase clock by John Grant of Fleet Street, London formerly owned by Sir E.J. Venner. Sir John (1902-55) was officially listed, during the war, as a group captain in the Auxiliary Air Force. He was, in fact, the financial director of the Special Operations Executive from 1940, who had a reputation “of wizardry bordering on genius: as witness the fact that when he cast up his final accounts, he showed a profit of £23m”. He was knighted in recognition of his huge contribution to the war effort.

Finally, if you are planning your summer staycation in, or near,  the New Forest, do please book an appointment (07768877069) to view our new stock in our re-furbished showroom or visit us online at www.wickantiques.com.

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An eclectic mix of top dealers with international reputations has been assembled for the Chelsea Antiques Fair in September.

Just a few stands remain for the historic event that is in its 70^th year and will be held between September 21 and 26, with a VIP invitation only preview on the 20^th.

The venue will be Chelsea Old Town Hall on the Kings Road, the fair’s traditional and iconic home. Already collectors and buyers from around the world have expressed an interest in attending and trade is expected to be brisk due to a year with few physical events.

Run now by the antique selling platform 2Covet, the fair will be held at the same time as the Chelsea Flower Show which has moved to the autumn from its traditional May.
 

Sophie Wood, director of the antiques fair, said:

“The relaunch is going extremely well and we have some superb exhibitors. There is a real mix with dealers in furniture, clocks, maritime antiques, Chinese and Japanese works of art, paintings, porcelain, glass and much more besides.

“There are 32 exclusive stands and entry is free via complimentary tickets, aside from the first day which is reserved for an invitation only preview. We have a number of key partners including Altido, which provides hospitality management for homes, serviced apartments, hotels and unique destinations across Europe.

“After a year with virtually no fairs, there really is a demand for one, and dealers and clients are extremely keen to meet in person again. We have just a few stands left for dealers and there will be further announcements as we get nearer to the date.”

Register for complimentary tickets on The Chelsea Antiques Fair Website https://chelseaantiquesfair.co.uk