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TRAVEL 27/10/2023 14:51
Freedom, independence and elegance, a journey into Italian style
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Contents FEATURES
18 32 37 32 ART BASEL CAPTIVATES COLLECTORS
Art Basel, held in June, was back in full glory in its home town for 2023. Jörg Zutter reports for Arts & Collections
37 THE ART OF TIME
The practice of making clocks and watches is as much an art as a science. We look at some of the landmarks in horological history
Brigitte Bardot remains one of the most enigmatic stars of cinema. Now a new book of images reveals what the star photographers made of her
24 A WORLD OF HIS OWN
This September, Sotheby’s presented Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the public and private realm of a global icon
27 PURE FORMS OF ART
The exhibition Brâncuși: Romanian Sources and Universal Perspectives reveals what is singular about an artist who generated pure forms
29 FIGURE IT OUT
A major solo exhibition of brand new paintings by leading British artist, Jo Holdsworth, runs at 60 Threadneedle Street in the City of London until late January 2024 4 ARTS & COLLECTIONS
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PROUD TRADITION
Knightsbridge School represents the best in British independent education, but from where do its traditions derive?
42 PROTECTING UKRAINE’S ARTS AND HERITAGE
Tatiana Fokina of NGO Save the Spot explains how the international community can help defend arts and culture in Ukraine
47 AFORE YE GO
A Scottish whisky tasting holiday demands a stay in a traditional hotel. Here are a few warming suggestions
48 CAPTURING THE LAND
The winners of the 2023 Epson Pano Photographic Awards included some stunning landscape works from around the world
50 EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY
One of music’s biggest stars, Sir Rod Stewart has a home as big as his voice. Now the LA mansion is up for sale at $70m
IMAGES © TERRY O’NEILL/ACC ART BOOKS, JÖRG ZUTTER, DREAMSTIME
18 BRIGITTE BARDOT: THE ENIGMA CAPTURED
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56 75 YEARS OF PORSCHE
Porsche celebrated 75 years of its sports cars in 2023. We look at the events that commemorated this important anniversary
60 THE GOLD BUG
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Gold remains an attractive investment even when markets fluctuate. What is it about the previous metal that fascinates?
63 COINING NEW DESIGNS
Creative Director Dominic Jones discusses the inspiration behind the new collection, Tutamen, his second designed for 886 by The Royal Mint
IMAGES © JOSÉ D RIQUELME / EPSON PANO AWARDS, JAMES HART DYKE, PORSCHE, RYAN LAHIFF COURTESY OF DOUGLAS ELLMAN
64 THE SUMMIT OF PAINTING
When James Hart Dyke decided to paint Mont Blanc, there was only one way to do it – from the summit
68 CONSIDER IT DONE
Travel concierge services takes the effort out of vacationing – but what can they offer, and how does it all work?
70 ARCTIC ADVENTURE
If you want a change from the usual yachting holiday, try this ice sea expedition for an unparalleled experience
73 ETERNAL IMAGES
From New Zealand to Singapore, the world of luxury travel is full of Instagrammable destinations – but which do our experts think are the most memorable?
82 AN EYE FOR COLOUR
Galerie Buchkunst Berlin presents All Around the World - Unseen Colour & Early Black-and-White, with photographs by legendary Magnum photographer Thomas Hoepker www.artsandcollections.com
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Contents 10 REGULARS
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IT FIGURES
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EDITORIAL
This issue’s most amazing items and events summed up in handy facts and figures
The market for contemporary artwork has become increasingly speculative. Is the practice of ‘flipping’ distorting the business?
10 HAPPENINGS
All the must-see events, exhibitions and shows from Victorian colour at the Ashmolean Museum to Art Deco in New Orleans
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12 AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS
Our comprehensive roundup of some of the more amazing items to come to auction, from a dinosaur to Star Wars and a Klimt to Hempel
44 SOTHEBY’S PRIVATE SALES
Amazing items for sale through Sotheby’s Private Sales, from George IV’s monumental ornaments to a bleeding heart in steel and glass
78 BOOK REVIEWS
The most fascinating volumes to read and display, from George Condo to Ferrari and sci-fi to Augustus John
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80 WHERE TO SPEND IT
Our round-up of luxury items worthy of your investment, from a racing watch to a super yacht and hi-fi to shoelaces 6 ARTS & COLLECTIONS
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Publisher & CEO Kevin J. Harrington Editor Chris Jenkins Staff Writer Manny Berhanu Features Writers Richard Benson Margo Lane Steve Holland Jörg Zutter Design Joanna Harrington Production Ray Walsh Digital Manager Chi Uzomah EDITORIAL OFFICE Arts & Collections 143 Caledonian Road London N1 0SL United Kingdom Telephone: 020 7870 9090 editorial@damsonmedia.com www.damsonmedia.com CHICAGO OFFICE Arts & Collections 29 East Madison Suite 809 Chicago, IL 60602 USA THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS MAGAZINE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED OFFICIAL OPINIONS OF THE PUBLISHER OR EDITOR. THE PUBLISHER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ACCEPT OR REJECT ALL EDITORIAL OR ADVERTISING MATTER. THE PUBLISHER ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR UNSOLICITED MANUSCRIPTS, PHOTOGRAPHS OR ARTWORK. IMAGES ARE SENT AT THE OWNERS’ RISK AND THE PUBLISHER TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSS. © 2023 DAMSON MEDIA ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART OF ANY TEXT, PHOTOGRAPH OR ILLUSTRATION WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE PUBLISHER IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. PRINTED IN THE UK.
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Arts & Collections partners with over 120 of the world’s finest luxury and boutique hotels to provide the highest quality coverage of global art and cultural events, auctions of interest and developments in the global art market. This blend of interesting and informative editorial is most appealing to guests at these premier hotels, who have a great interest in fine art and collectables. Arts & Collections’ dedicated website, www.artsandcollections.com, features all the exclusive previews, reviews and expert commentary pieces that appear in the pages of Arts & Collections as well as news of auctions by Sotheby’s and other top auction houses, plus exhibitions and popular cultural events, keeping visitors fully informed, as well as providing a comprehensive resource area for collectors and connoisseurs. Arts & Collections magazine is published quarterly. For further details regarding contributions and distribution email editorial@damsonmedia.com. arts &
COLLECTIONS www.artsandcollections.com
The millions of pounds raised by the Sotheby’s auction of Freddie Mercury’s memorabilia
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100,000
The speed in Hertz of the crystal oscillators in modern clock mechanisms
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The number of galleries taking part in this year’s Art Basel exhibition
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The number of cultural and heritage sites in Ukraine thought to have been damaged by Russian attacks
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Cover image: Brigitte Bardot, Gold Series by Douglas Kirkland, from Being Bardot: Photographed by Douglas Kirkland and Terry O’Neill, published by ACC Art Books. See page 18.
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The number of years Porsche has been manufacturing worldleading sports cars
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The price in millions of dollars of Rod Stewart’s home for sale in Los Angeles
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Editorial
TO FLIP OR NOT TO FLIP? The market for contemporary artwork has become increasingly speculative. Is the practice of ‘flipping’ distorting the business?
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IMAGES © NICOLAS J LECLERCQ ON UNSPLASH
n art market report has noted a sharp rise in ‘flipping’ of contemporary works as sales of ‘wet paint’ works (auctioned within two years of production) increased by 116 percent in 2022. According to figures from specialist insurer Hiscox, the market for contemporary artwork has become increasingly speculative, with analysis of auction data showing the number of works being re-sold at auction within two years of being made, more than doubling. In 2022 1,033 ‘wet paint’ lots were sold in auction at Christie’s, Sotheby’s and Phillips, up from 478 offered in 2021 – a 116% increase. This suggests that more art is being bought with an eye on making a short-term return – or, to put it bluntly, that buyers are ‘flipping’ recent pieces for a quick return on investment.
YOUNGER ARTISTS In 2022 ‘wet paint’ sales were mostly works by artists aged under 45, with a record 700 works going to auction within two years of production, compared to 279 in 2021 (151% increase). These lots accounted for over two thirds (68%) of all wet paint auction sales. It’s no surprise that emerging artists tend to be the focus of art flipping, as they are at the beginning of their careers and speculators can see greater potential upside - but this causes issues for the www.artsandcollections.com
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artists and their market, including over-valuations and unrealistic price expectations for future work. In the sights of the ‘flippers’ are artists such as Beeple, Banksy, Matthew Wong, Kaws, Jordy Kerwick and Aboudia. Research for the Online Art Trade Report 2023 shows that more people are looking at art as an investment, with nearly two thirds (63%) of online art buyers surveyed seeing it as either a strong or very strong motivation for buying art, up from 58% in 2020. The profit motive is a particularly big incentive for younger buyers (68%) and new buyers (68%) to invest in works. The Hiscox report talks about a ‘an increasingly speculative bubble’, which certainly presents opportunities for investors, but is also in danger of replacing a stable and maturing art market with a frenzy of quick resales on behalf of buyers looking for a ‘quick buck’ return on investments. “Flipping works is on the rise with the number of works being re-sold soon after production doubling last year” says Robert Read, Head of Art and Private Clients at Hiscox; ”It appears that investors are being attracted to this market like moths to a flame – some have profited, but dangers lurk ahead if an ever more likely global recession causes the market to stutter”. Chris Jenkins ARTS & COLLECTIONS 9
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COLLECTIONS // EVENTS
Happenings Arts & Collections has selected a mix of the most unmissable artistic, cultural and entertainment events coming up in the autumn
SO LONG AS IT’S NOT BLACK The University of Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum aims to dispel the myth that Victorian art and culture was black and gloomy with Colour Revolution, an exhibition showing how developments in art, science and technology resulted in an explosion of colour that was embraced by artists, designers and regular people of the 19th century. The exhibition reveals a spectacular and flamboyant array of artworks, costume and design that sprung from this ‘colour revolution’, featuring 140 objects from international collections ranging from Ruskin’s exquisite studies, Turner and Whistler’s experiments with colour harmony, and Morris & Co.’s elaborate designs, to fashion, jewellery and homeware that enlivened the streets and homes of Victorian Britain and Europe. www.ashmolean.org
IMAGES © ASHMOLEAN MUSEUM/UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
Left: William Burges’ Great Bookcase
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ANDY’S BIG IN IRELAND Hugh Lane Gallery and Dublin City Council have announced the largest ever Andy Warhol exhibition in Ireland – the first in 25 years. Andy Warhol Three Times Out will feature more than 250 works including the iconic Campbell’s Soup Cans and Marilyn Monroe. The unique exhibition of Andy Warhol’s paintings, prints, photographs, films and installations runs from 6th October 2023 – 28th January 2024 and has been five years in the making, featuring more than 250 works on loan from museums and private collections in the US, Canada, Europe and the Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh. www.hughlane.ie Left: Andy Warhol’s Silver Clouds
ART DECO IN NEW ORLEANS M.S. Rau will unveil its newest exhibition, Erté & The Era of Art Deco, at its gallery at 630 Royal Street in New Orleans, Louisiana on Saturday, October 14th, 2023. The show, which is free and open to the public, will run to January 3rd, 2024. The curated installation will feature nearly 170 original works by Erté – the oft-called “Father of Art Deco” – as well as other rare period treasures that epitomize the opulence and sophistication of the Art Deco movement. The show will also be available to view online as a virtual exhibition. www.msrau.com Left: Art deco onyx and diamond swan bracelet Right: Art deco parrot canopic jar
Above: 1965 Piet Mondrian dress, YSL
IMAGES © HUGH LANE GALLERY, MS RAU, TRIENNALE MILANO, TOKYO NAC/YSL
THE ART OF ITALY As a part of its centenary celebrations, Triennale Milano is hosting Italian Painting Today from October 25th, 2023, to February 11th, 2024, an exhibition which draws inspiration from the institution’s history of promoting painting as an art form, and features works from 120 notable Italian artists spanning multiple generations, celebrating contemporary Italian painting. The exhibition unfolds through an itinerary that features over 120 works by artists of different generations, including Stefano Arienti, Francesca Banchelli, Lorenza Boisi, Pierpaolo Campanini, Guglielmo Castelli, Adelaide Cioni, Chiara Enzo, Paolo Gonzato and Giulia Mangoni, presenting one work created between 2020 and 2023 by each artist. www.triennale.org www.artsandcollections.com
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ST LAURENT IN TOKYO
Above: Lauretta Francesco, Oxigen, 2023
The Yves Saint Laurent retrospective coming to Tokyo’s National Art Center is an appropriate follow-up to the Christian Dior exhibition which closed in May. This is the first time an official Saint Laurent retrospective has been staged in fashionfrenzied Tokyo, so you can expect a lot from the momentous collaboration with the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris. There will be roughly 110 pieces to see, including garments like the 1965 Mondrian dresses, accessories, sketches and photographs of the designer at work. The exhibition Yves St Laurent: Across the Style opens on September 20th 2023 and runs to December 11th. https://ysl2023.jp ARTS & COLLECTIONS 11
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COLLECTIONS // AUCTIONS
Auction
HIGHLIGHTS We bring you the most unusual, historical, eye-catching and attractive items from the world’s leading auction houses BY RICHARD BENSON
THE WING’S THE THING
IMAGES © xxx
Excavated in 2002 on private land, in the upper part of the Smoky Hill Chalk Member of the Niobrara Formation, in Logan County, Kansas, this articulated Pteranodon skeleton dates from the late Cretaceous, approximately 85 million years ago. Displayed with wing bones outstretched in a soaring position, it is mounted on a custom bronze armature in three parts rigged for ceiling suspension. Judging from the overall size, it can be determined that the skeleton belonged to a fully mature adult individual, and most certainly male. Provided together with the skeleton is a piece of original rock from the dig site and several small bone fragments that remained unmounted. Other than minor cleaning and stabilization, these pieces have been left as found and exhibit the delicate nature of their compressed structures. Sotheby’s offered it in a Natural History sale with an estimate of USD 4-6m.
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AUCTIONS // COLLECTIONS
BLACK WATCH MYSTERY As part of Sotheby’s Hong Kong Fine Watches event in July, a sealed auction for a Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon ref. 5002P-013 with a custom-order black dial ran alongside the online auction. The ref. 5002P once held the title of most complicated wristwatch Patek Philippe ever produced and remains a landmark in Patek Philippe watchmaking. It inherits the double dial configuration from the Star Calibre, with perpetual complications on the front and celestial complications on the back. This ref. 5002P is possibly unique due to its striking black dial, and is double sealed. The last time we saw a comparable item was a rose gold case watch sold at Christie’s for almost US$4.1 million. Sadly, the nature of the sealed auction for this one means that the final selling price will not be made public.
THE LAST KLIMT Found on the easel in his studio at the time of his death, a captivating depiction of a semi-nude figure by Gustav Klimt explores a new approach to colour and form, resulting in a masterpiece by an artist at the height of his powers. After a ten-minute bidding battle between four clients on the phones and in the room, the painting was sold by Sotheby’s for £85.3 million, setting a new auction record for a work of art in Europe, and also for Gustav Klimt. The result is also the second highest price for any portrait ever sold at auction. The sale, Face to Face, included a dedicated sequence of works surveying portraits through the ages. Tom Eddison, Senior Director of Contemporary Art, said “While the human image has been democratised in our age of iPhones and selfies, the tradition of portraiture runs deep and across many centuries.”
HEMPEL STYLE
IMAGES © SOTHEBY’S, DREWEATT’S
Dreweatts has been appointed to sell the contents of the family home of world-renowned interior and garden designer Anouska Hempel. Shaw House in Wiltshire is a beautiful Grade II listed building which, while being a family home, also showcased Hempel’s unique theatrical flair for combining contemporary style with historical nuances, clever design and the epitome of luxury in its interiors. She made her mark in design when she opened London’s first 5-star boutique hotel Blakes, in South Kensington in 1978, followed by The Hempel in London’s Bayswater. Now Lady Weinberg after her marriage to the financier Sir Mark Weinberg, she was presented the prestigious Andrew Martin Lifetime Achievement Award by HRH Princess Michael of Kent in 2022 for ‘her elusive, impossible to define but instantly recognisable design.’ www.artsandcollections.com
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COLLECTIONS // AUCTIONS
BIRD IN THE HAND This Chinese carved green jade sculpture of a Phoenix bird standing on a rocky surface near a bamboo form vase stands 9.5” high. On a carved wooden base, it was purchased at Gallery 225 in 2014 for $8000. On sale on website LiveAuctioneers through DuMouchelles of Detroit, it carried an estimate of $4-5,000, so someone could have picked up a bargain - but it attracted a high bid of only $3,000, so remained unsold.
A rare and highly sought-after Palitoy Star Wars Jawa figure, considered the ‘holy grail’ for collectors, sold after bidding from around the globe to a UK private collector for £26,670 smashing its pre-sale estimate of £10,000-£15,000. The Jawa figure was from the first group of 12 Star Wars figures ever made in 1978 and is still mounted on its original 12-back card, with no fading of colour or damage. The figure is also one of only a few to exist that sports an original vinyl cape, which Palitoy later replaced with a fabric one. Jonathan Torode, Excalibur’s Auctioneer said: “I am very pleased that this, one of the rarest carded Star Wars figures known to exist, with only 10-15 examples documented, has stayed in the UK with an avid Star Wars private collector, who was bidding anonymously on the telephone. The UK Palitoy carded variation is even rarer than the USA Kenner version. It’s a privilege to handle such a piece of Star Wars toy history.” The figure came with exceptional provenance, as the seller was the Art Director of Marvel UK between 1974 and 1979 and received it as a gift from Palitoy during the promotion of the Star Wars line in Marvel’s comics. 14 ARTS & COLLECTIONS
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IMAGES © EXCALIBUR, DuMOUCHELLES, SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS
THE FORCE WAS WITH THEM
LICENSED TO THRILL The Giorgetto Giugiaro-styled ‘Esprit’ was Colin Chapman’s first serious attempt at building a supercar capable of taking on the likes of Porsche and Ferrari. First unveiled as a concept car at the Turin Motor Show in 1972, it would be another four years before customers took delivery of the first cars. Slow initial sales received a considerable publicity boost with the car’s underwater exploits in the 1977 James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me. This highly-original, unrestored example with 74,000 miles on the clock sold for £37,125 at Silverstone Auctions. www.artsandcollections.com
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AUCTIONS // COLLECTIONS
OUR SERIES HIGHLIGHTS A SINGLE ITEM OF ARTISTRY OR CRAFTSMANSHIP THAT IS BOTH RARE AND EXQUISITE
Treasures MASERATI MASTERPIECE
IMAGES © BROAD ARROW AUCTIONS, THOMAS JAMES CLOCKS
A 1956 Maserati coming up for sale by Broad Arrow Auctions has been estimated to sell for up to $3.75m. The 1956 Maserati A6G/54 Zagato Berlinetta, retained within the consignor’s collection since 2008, is an example is one of only 20 Zagato bodied variants built, and the only known example with a double-bubble roof. This expertly restored and highly decorated example has a period race history, including the famous Mille Miglia in 1956, circuit races at Monza, and numerous hillclimbs well documented in print by Walter Bäumer, and a comprehensive report by Adolfo Orsi Jr. In addition to Villa d’Este and Pebble Beach, this Zagato Berlinetta has been shown at The Quail in 2010 and Cavallino Classic in 2013, where it won two awards including Finest GT. Its colourful, outsized history makes it a compelling choice for one of the most unique and interesting Maseratis to emerge from Modena and Milan.
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T
homas James Clocks, the contemporary independent English clock company, is the vision of founder Andrew Kilgour. With a love for British craftsmanship and heritage brands yet a keen eye for engineering and contemporary design, Andrew created the brand to offer something completely new to the luxury clock market. Thomas James has unveiled its first timepiece, the Argentum Luna. Over the past five years, Thomas James Clocks has worked tirelessly to source and bring together a group of people, every one with a specialised skill set, giving every detail the greatest attention, working collaboratively to produce something exceptional and to the standard that meets the vision. Sinclair Harding, one of the world’s leading luxury clock makers, designed and adapted the Great Wheel movement, created the impressive back plate and helped bring the finished piece together. Thomas Fattorini, based in Birmingham’s historic jewellery quarter since 1827, cast the markers from solid sterling silver. Peter Toiag of Croglin LTD, Lake District hand-built the beautiful wooden surround, incorporating a perfect piece of the highest quality Italian glass within an intricate bricking pattern of American walnut, and then mirrored this design in the stunning presentation case. ARRK in Nuneaton, which specialises in creating parts for the luxury car market, created the 3-Dimensional dial from the highest grade aluminium, finished in a unique pearlescent white. Each clock is individually produced to order and sold only in exclusive limited editions, creating an individual experience for every owner. The most beautiful, complimentary piece for hospitality design projects through to residential homes. Combining the long-held traditions of English clockmaking with new innovative ideas, the product offers something extraordinary that will pass the test of time and be admired for generations to come. www.thomasjamesclocks.com ARTS & COLLECTIONS 15
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Sean Connery and Brigitte Bardot met for the first time in Deauville, France, for a photoshoot with Terry O’Neill to promote their film Shalako, a 1968 Western directed by Edward Dmytryk 18 ARTS & COLLECTIONS
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IMAGES © Terry O’Neill
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PHOTOGRAPHY // ARTS
BRIGITTE BARDOT: the Enigma Captured
Brigitte Bardot remains one of the most enigmatic and iconic stars of European and Hollywood cinema. Now a new book of images reveals what the star photographers made of her
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ouglas Kirkland and Terry O’Neill, legendary celebrity photographers, must have got used to working with movie stars, and it would be natural to assume that the glamour would have worn off; that seeing celebrities as human beings in and out of their work environment would have demystified their subjects. But this doesn’t seem to have been the case with Brigitte Bardot, the subject of a new book, Being Bardot: Photographed by Douglas Kirkland and Terry O’Neill, published by ACC Art Books. In fact, Bardot seem to have maintained and if anything amplified her mystique, to the extent that both photographers seem to have fallen under her spell. Douglas Kirkland said: “The word “celebrity” is a rather peculiar word. I work with celebrities, but I’m not in awe of them. Stardom is less important to me than the possibilities of creativity.” But his first encounter with Brigitte Bardot, on the set of www.artsandcollections.com
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Viva Maria, somewhat contradicts that. Award-winning photographer Douglas Kirkland (1934–2022) was on the cutting edge of fashion, photojournalism and celebrity portraiture for much of his working life, taking photographs for the world’s most reputable magazines for more than 60 years. Born in Ontario, Canada, Kirkland joined Look magazine in his early twenties, before moving on to Life magazine. As a young photographer in the early Sixties, he was assigned to photograph Marilyn Monroe. Of Brigitte Bardot, Douglas Kirkland said: “Certain things were always the same with Brigitte. The entourage, the petits copains, the teasing games, the half-staged dramatic scenes, and the edge of panic in her need for love and company. Was I a photographer on assignment or a combination of court chamberlain and jester? “The haziness of my role in Bardot’s world and the imbalance of work and play in the equation always disturbed me.”
And Terry O’Neill recalled a shoot in an interview for The Guardian: ‘I had been hired to get publicity images from the set of The Legend of Frenchie King, a film Brigitte Bardot was doing in Spain with Claudia Cardinale. I had photographed Brigitte before, although we never really became friends. She didn’t try to speak English, so she kept up this barrier between us. “Even so, she had a stature and a presence that were extraordinary. I was drunk on how stunning she was.” Terry O’Neill (1938–2019) began his career in the early 1960s, when he photographed The Beatles and The Rolling Stones at the start of their careers. Having intuited that youth culture was the next big thing, he began chronicling the emerging faces of film, fashion and music, including many stars who would go on to define the Swinging Sixties. By 1965, he was being commissioned by the biggest magazines and newspapers in the world. ARTS & COLLECTIONS 19
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EQUALITY As a European then international movie star, Brigitte Bardot had already exploded established perceptions of beauty and femininity, becoming a pop culture icon and a symbol both of sexual liberation and female equality. In a film career spanning 21 years, from 1951 to 1973, she was an occasionally shocking figure; in 1956 Raymond Cartier, editor of the magazine Paris Match, said of Bardot that she was ‘immoral, from head to toe.’ But others found her image and performances liberating and inspiring, and for feminist writer Simone de Beauvoir, Bardot embodied a “modern version of the eternal feminine.” As a muse to the filmmaker Roger Vadim, who was married to Bardot between 1952 and 1957 and who directed her in And God Created Woman, Bardot represented independence from men’s approval or agency. Vadim said of her: “I did not invent 20 ARTS & COLLECTIONS
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Brigitte Bardot, I simply helped her to blossom.” Bardot was often contrasted with Marilyn Monroe, who perhaps represented female sexuality subservient to men, while Bardot’s seemed entirely independent. Brigitte Bardot, born to wealthy bourgeois parents, posed at the age of 15 for the cover of fashion magazine Elle in 1950. Aspiring director Roger Vadim shrewdly fashioned her public and screen image as an erotic child of nature - blond, sensuous, and amoral - in two movies, Et Dieu Créa la Femme (1956; And God Created Woman) and Les Bijoutiers du Claire de Lune (1958; The Jewelers of Moonlight; English title The Night Heaven Fell). In these and other movies Bardot broke taboos against nudity and set box office records in Europe and the United States. Terry O’Neill and Douglas Kirkland each had their distinctive ways of recording Bardot in candid images, showing her on-
set between takes, and off-set both alone and in the company of others. Many images published in this book for the first time suggest the rapport both photographers developed with Bardot. There are glimpses of playful and pensive moods which did not always emerge in her official publicity images. Kirkland, particularly, was rarely employed as an official film unit photographer. Instead, rather like fellow photographer Eva Sereny, he did what was known as ‘special photography’. The unit photographers typically shot black-and-white images on a given film set but, as Kirkland noted, the studios and glossy magazines wanted to ‘really capture the essence and look of a film.’ As such, it was his job to stage setups and behind-the-scenes images that would work to their advantage in magazines. He added, ‘I have a fascination with the power of cinema and watching how it all works.’
IMAGES © Douglas Kirkland
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PHOTOGRAPHY // ARTS
“The funny thing about Brigitte Bardot is that I am certain I was in love with her. But she couldn’t speak a lick of English and I didn’t speak French, so our relationship, regrettably, was only between my camera and her beauty”
IMAGES © Terry O’Neill
- TERRY O’NEILL
Above Left: I n Mexico, on the set of Viva Maria!, 1965 Right: Filming Les Novices, directed by Guy Casaril, France, 1970
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ARTS // PHOTOGRAPHY
Left: In 1971, Bardot starred in Christian-Jaque’s film Les Pétroleuses (The Legend of Frenchie King)
SENSUAL Kirkland recalls in the book of his assignment on Viva Maria in Central Mexico: “It was the first time that I met Brigitte. The head of marketing at United Artists said, “We’ve got a film with Bardot and Jeanne Moreau and we’re really having a terrible problem because the French press are all over the place.” In those days, agencies could send photographers on spec. It was a big deal to have the two sex symbols – the woman-child and the very sensual Moreau.” United Artists closed the set to photographers and gave exclusive access to Kirkland. His most famous images from the shoot were taken away from the set, in the 22 ARTS & COLLECTIONS
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form of a portrait of Bardot playing the card game solitaire. Les Pétroleuses was shot on location in Spain, near Colmenar Viejo, where A Fistful of Dollars was shot, and it was to Spain that Terry O’Neill travelled to document Bardot on set. By the early 1970s, he had established himself as a major filmstills photographer, with a body of work combining portraiture with more candid images that documented the work of film crews on set. In his film-set photography, O’Neill always communicated something of the labour and precision of filmmaking. Among his images from Les Pétroleuses (The Legend
Being Bardot: Photographed by Douglas Kirkland and Terry O’Neill includes more than 150 photos, including contact sheets of Bardot with Sean Connery, and revealing, first-hand memories, several previously unseen. It’s published by ACC Art Books at £60. www.accartbooks.com
IMAGES © Terry O’Neill
of Frenchie King), there are several that show the cinematographer’s light meter taking a reading. O’Neill’s approach, using a lightweight, quiet Leica M4 to record those moments between takes when actors prepared for, and waited on, the call of ‘Action!’, attests to the ways in which film stars can become a magical combination of both themselves and the characters that they portray on screen. O’Neill said of his Leica: “It meant I could shoot candid and private moments non-stop without being controlled or manipulated by movie executives or stars’ management as photographers are today…” Of his classic image of Bardot on-set smoking a cigarette, O’Neill said: “I thought if I could get a close-up of the moment the wind blew her trademark hair into her eyes, combined with the cigarette dangling from those lips, it would capture how sexy, strong and wild her image was. I didn’t have many frames left, so I went in closer. The wind blew and I clicked the shutter. I had no idea if the photo would match the image I had in my mind until the film was developed. The first time I saw these images, I got chills”.
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COLLECTIONS // AUCTION
Left: ‘ Queen No 1’ brooch
A WORLD OF HIS OWN
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s the front man of globally successful rock band Queen, Freddie Mercury was an entertainment icon; but he was notoriously shy and reflective in his private life, and it was there that he nurtured his love of arts and cultural artefacts. A series of auctions at Sotheby’s of London in September marked this aspect of the life of the superstar, who died in 1991. A world-renowned rock superstar, away from the stage Freddie Mercury was a deeply educated collector. Across six auctions, Sotheby’s reflected Freddie Mercury’s kaleidoscopic world of style and quality, spanning art, fashion, musical instruments, personal papers, possessions and photographs, furniture, and jewels, accrued over the course of fifty years. This collection had been meticulously preserved at his beloved home at Garden Lodge for over three decades, and displays a quality and diversity of works that are a testament not only to his manifold passions, but innate style, accomplished artistry, and brilliant mind. The series of auctions was preceded by a month-long public exhibition which immersed visitors in Freddie’s world and attracted 150,000 visitors to a one-of-a-kind experience, allowing full access to some 24 ARTS & COLLECTIONS
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of the most exciting and rare examples of artefacts from a true legend of the 20th century. In celebration of Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own, Sotheby’s New Bond Street galleries were transformed from August 4th-September 5th with a monthlong building takeover, featuring the collection. In addition, there were popup shops and restaurants inspired by Freddie himself.
EPHEMERA In celebration of the Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own sales, a limited edition book presents selected highlights from Freddie Mercury’s personal collection at Garden Lodge, ranging from artworks and personal ephemera to stage costumes and handwritten lyrics, as well as dozens of photographs from his personal archive. Featuring contributions from Sotheby’s experts, and interviews with friends and collaborators including Sir Tim Rice, Dame Zandra Rhodes, Peter Freestone, and costume designer Diana Moseley, the book is rich with intimate insights and fascinating stories, from the composition of Bohemian Rhapsody to Mercury’s many shopping trips to Sotheby’s.
On August 4th at 12:00 BST came In Love With Japan. In the Spring of 1975, during the first of many visits whilst on tour, Freddie fell in love with Japan. Through this important collection of Japanese art and objects that saw the breadth of Freddie’s profound passion for the country. Woodblock prints by the great masters, gem-like lacquer, fluid silk and fine porcelain all show Freddie’s adoration of Japan, as well as his academic expertise in the history of its culture and craft through the ages. Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own, The Evening Sale, a live auction taking place on 6th September 2023 at 17:00 BST raisd £12.2m, and included highlights such as Freddie Mercury’s signature crown and cloak ensemble, and following on September 7th was On Stage, a live auction at 10:00 BST, featuring gold records, awards, and Freddie’s distinctive silk scarf. Finally, on September 8th at 10:00 BST, At Home presented the best of Freddie Mercury’s household artefacts, including his guest book and memorabilia from Disney. In total, the auctions raised £40m, with each of the 1,406 lots sold, and over 41,800 bids placed, setting an auction record and beating any other collection of its kind. www.sothebys.com
IMAGES © SOTHEBY’S
This September, Sotheby’s presented Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own, a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the public and private realm of a global icon
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27/10/2023 12:10
AUCTION // COLLECTIONS
Left: ‘Arrow’ stage jacket Right: Freddie’s silk evening scarf
Left: Freddie Mercury’s signature crown and cloak ensemble, worn throughout the ‘Magic’ Tour, 1986
Left: Erté (Romain de Tirtoff) costume design for Chang-Ti Below: Freddie’s signature crown
Left: Tiffany silver moustache comb Below: Mick Rock contact sheets Right: Bohemian Rhapsody lyrics
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ARTS & COLLECTIONS 25
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BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN SUPPLIERS OF FINE FOODS KING’S FINE FOOD LTD. LONDON
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EXHIBITION // ARTS
Pure Forms of
ART The exhibition Brâncuși: Romanian Sources and Universal Perspectives reveals what is singular about an artist who generated pure forms
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he first such exhibition in this part of Europe in the last 50 years, the exhibition, running until January 28th, 2024, showcases emblematic works from the youth and mature period of Constantin Brâncuși. Benefiting from works on loan from the Centre Pompidou, Tate Gallery, the Romanian National Museum of Art, and other museums and private collections, the exhibition offers an unprecedented array of sculptures, drawings, and photographs, as well as footage filmed by the artist. As an artist, Brâncuși transcended geographical, historical, and strictly formal boundaries, ensuring him a special place in art history beyond any artistic currents. He was one of the great artists of the Parisian avant-garde of the first half of the 20th century and an indisputable landmark of modern sculpture. The last Romanian exhibition dedicated to the great sculptor was organized over 50 years ago, in 1970. Hosted at the National Museum of Art in Timișoara, this new exhibition represents a symbolic homecoming for Brâncuși, exploring both the Romanian inspiration with which Brâncusi came to Paris and the metamorphosis that caused him to become the universal artist that everyone appreciates.
IMAGES: Constantin Brancusi, Borne-frontiere, 1945, courtesy Pompidou Centre, © https://muzeuldeartatm.ro
DIALOGUE Curated by Doina Lemny, one of the most respected experts in Constantin Brâncuși’s art, this event-exhibition will bring together for the first time in Romania emblematic sculptures from the artist’s mature period, borrowed from significant museums of the world, such as the Pompidou from Paris or Tate from London, but also from his youthful years, from Romanian museums and private collections. Over 100 artworks will enter a fascinating dialogue with an unprecedented selection of photographs and fragments filmed by the artist. For Romanian and international guests, as Timișoara is the 2023 European Capital of Culture, this exhibition represents a unique opportunity to discover and admire the works of the artist who managed to wield the cultural heritage of his country in the most subtle of ways, imbuing it with universal values. https://muzeuldeartatm.ro www.artsandcollections.com
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25/10/2023 15:08
EXHIBITION // ARTS
FIGURE IT OUT
A major solo exhibition of brand new paintings by leading British artist, Jo Holdsworth, runs at 60 Threadneedle Street in the City of London until late January 2024
IMAGE: South Bank London, © Jo Holdsworth
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he exhibition, Figures, features elongated and reflected silhouettes used as recurring motifs to explore the human condition and its connectedness to the environment. The exhibition features both Jo Holdsworth’s towering cityscapes and stunning seascapes. Living and working in London, Jo takes inspiration from the capital’s ever-changing landscape and urban city views, as well as reflections on the British coast at low tide. The artist’s technique has a skilful expressiveness and spontaneity. Thick layers of paint are ingeniously applied with a range of implements in a way that mimics the downpour of rain, the puddling of water on the ground and the beautiful yet distorted reflections this brings. Form and colour are paramount to Holdsworth. Her distinctive colour palette www.artsandcollections.com
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reflects her love of blue, the colour of hope. The new collection has a sense of calm and a deep connection with its environment. The collection also features large-scale works which embody her longstanding love of London as well as her overwhelming passion for the coast. This year marks 25 years since she left her job as a corporate lawyer in the City. This major show marks her return to her City of London past, and with it, the continued exploration of the figurative and cinematic world which she paints.
DYNAMIC Holdsworth says, ‘Many of my new works respond to the dynamic urban landscape and fantastic architecture that is the beauty of London. It is thrilling for me to have been selected to exhibit my work in
such a stunning location in the heart of the city I love.’ Curator of the show, Vanessa Samra, founder of VJB Arts, said ‘In choosing Jo Holdsworth’s work, we were struck by the fantastic synergy between Jo’s paintings and the 60 Threadneedle Street space. We are thrilled to be showcasing this exciting new collection of works by this brilliant contemporary artist.’ 60 Threadneedle Street is a purposebuilt office building which enjoys a prominent and prestigious location in the City of London, completed in 2009. The expansive glass reception area is open to the public and features changing quarterly art exhibitions, curated by VJB Arts. Instagram @joholdsworthstudio www.joholdsworthstudio.com ARTS & COLLECTIONS 29
27/10/2023 13:34
CRAFTING NATURE’S RARE JEWELS
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ARTS // EXHIBITIONS
ART BASEL
Captivates Collectors Art Basel, held in June, was back in full glory in its home town for 2023. Jörg Zutter reports for Arts & Collections
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partly due to its fertile grounds for the arts: Basel hosts not only many cultural institutes, but thanks to its first-class museums with its world famous collections, it also remains Switzerland’s number one art hub, always upgrading its cultural value and attractiveness. Its 53rd edition included 284
galleries (with 21 participating for the first time) from 36 countries. For many visitors to Art Basel, the first highlight was the curated group exhibition, Unlimited, staged in the gigantic open space of the Messe Basel exhibition centre and in the futuristic, aluminium-coated extension
IMAGES © JÖRG ZUTTER
rt Basel, the largest and most important modern and contemporary art fair, returned in full glory to its hometown where it was founded in 1970 by gallerist, Ernst Beyeler, and several colleagues. The Art Basel fair has continuously grown
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EXHIBITIONS // ARTS
Opening Page: Fox with Bird, Jeff Koons Right, above and below: Cornelia Parker, Psychobarn; Carla Accardi, Assedio Rosso n. 3 (Red
conceived by Herzog & de Meuron and opened in 2013. A few stunning examples were among the artists’ contributions: Cornelia Parker has disassembled, and respectively reassembled, the façade of the haunted gothic house of Albert Hitchcock’s Psycho (Frith Street). Sea Never Dies by the Ghanaian sculptor Serge Attukwei Clottey consisted of a large curtain puzzled together out of little yellow plastic squares (in fact, maritime waste), poetically displayed like a soaring wave but also citing the increasing pollution of our oceans (Simon Lee). Among the other appreciable artists was the Dominican-born artist working in New York, Firelei Báez, who created a large sculpture in the shape of the ruined Sans-Souci Palace erected in 1813 by the first and only monarch of Haiti, King Henri Christophe, at the island’s north coast, presented by the gallery of James Cohan.
INSTALLATIONS There were also many - arguably too many - video installations, often showcased in claustrophobic boxes and overlong, and so hampering the visit by extending it. Among the few exciting installations were those by the Swiss-American Christian Marcley who is obsessed by musical instruments, vinyls and Hollywood cinema. His installation Doors consists of hundreds of short film “quotations” or short fragments of movie stars using doors, all edited to appear as a single, continuous narrative (Paula Cooper, Fraenkel, White Cube). The main fair was situated on two floors of the historic fair hall with its fascinating central open courtyard which, thanks to its interior glass-clad façade, casts many booths in natural daylight. The ground floor spaces are traditionally occupied by mega galleries, often longstanding participants, proposing works from the early 20th century until today at prices which can reach up to $60 million, as the abstract painting Untitled (Yellow, Orange, Yellow, Light Orange) by Mark Rothko of 1955 made evident (with a provenance of Paul Mellon, a descendent and heir of one of the wealthiest banking families) at Acquavella. The interest in high quality was tangible as was the appetite www.artsandcollections.com
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for acquisitions. However, at times this was interwoven by a wait-and-see attitude, which reflects recent auction results or the mood at TEFAF in New York. Certainly worth mentioning are the works of the Italian female painter active in Rome in the post-war years Carla Accardi (who at the moment has a show at the Museo Correr in Venice), painting in a calligraphic abstract style, Assedio Rosso n. 3 (Red Siege n. 3), 1956, at Tornabuoni Art (€680,000). Another work (with an undisclosed price) was Fox with Bird, 2016–2023, by Jeff Koons at Pace Gallery, which presented a range of established artists like Jean Dubuffet, Alexander Calder, Agnes Martin,
the Korean minimalist painter Lee Ufan etc. and also younger artists such as the British painter Nigel Cooke. Cook’s inspiring painting Promethean Spring, 2023 - a kind of a psychedelic translation of Pollock’s fluid painting style - has sold for $750,000.
CONTEMPORARY Inexplicably, however, one of the great superstars of the contemporary scene, Jean-Michel Basquiat, who died in New York in 1988 at the age of twenty eight and whose paintings regularly trigger headlines at auctions, was virtually absent. The reason for this might be that works by him on the primary market sell better at auctions or ARTS & COLLECTIONS 33
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ARTS // EXHIBITIONS
blue installation Humanskysix by Ugo Rondinoni, the athletic body of an acrobat somersaulting respectively hovering from the ceiling of the booth, surrounded by three art deco-shaped blue canvases (altogether sold for CHF360,000).
PRIMARY On balance, one could conclude: highcalibre works from the secondary market - as examples by Picasso (Landau), Rothko (Acquavella), Balthus (The Landscape of Champrovent of 1941-43 at Luxembourg + Co) and Basquiat made evident – are the fair’s difficult sellers. One reason for this is certainly the most recent auction results for modern and contemporary art sales, which reflect a certain restraint or over-sophisticated buying mood of deep-pocketed buyers. Works of the primary market instead seem to have a much greater chance at the moment, certainly if they come from the artist’s studio or estate, also because here the offers are often extremely versatile, and the price scale
diversified and remaining attractive for a broad range of collectors. Other satellite fairs such as Design Miami/ Basel, which took place at the same time but unfortunately had a very reduced offer of predominantly French avant-gardist furniture, could not compete with Art Basel. At most, the longstanding fair Liste was a successful complementary project, as it offered to many young collectors the opportunity to deal with auspicious upcoming artists under 40, all presented by young gallerists. The dynamic of Art Basel intoxicated many visitors and spread over the whole city, since in an original way and under the auspices of the fair, on both banks of the Rhine, twenty-four exciting sculptures and installations of contemporary artists were placed in open squares, shaded courtyards and hidden gardens. www.artbasel.com Below: F irelei Báez, The Vast Ocean of All Possibilities, 2022
IMAGES © JÖRG ZUTTER
private sales. The current exhibition of his Modena Paintings of 1982 at the Fondation Beyeler in Riehen/Basel - which arguably is no accidental coincidence with Art Basel - is surely an indication of this. On the first floor of the exhibition centre a slightly more contemporary atmosphere prevailed: less cool and more hectic and discovery driven. The visitors, gallerists and artists here were at times slightly younger and the offers often more eclectic. A small section, entitled Statement, contained booths dedicated to individual and often rediscovered artists. Galerie Michel Rein presented a one-man show of the sculptor Piero Gilardi who was active in Turin and a member of the arte povera movement: the life-like relief Zuccaia (Pumpkin), 1966, had a price tag of €120,000. Antwerp’s Zeno X Gallery sold works by the New York-based artist Jack Whitten, active in New York (1938–2018), among them the painting Escalation I of 2014 ($950,000). The Zurich-based gallery Eva Presenhuber stunned with a new
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Follow Arts & Collections on Instagram Follow @artsandcollections for the latest news and updates on fine arts, luxury collectables and investment trends
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A NEW SENSE OF TIME DESIGN ICON AND PIECE OF ART IN ONE. QLOCKTWO provides a chance to tell the time and admire a unique piece of art. QLOCKTWO has received a large number of design awards, and is available in different sizes, various colors and materials. Handcrafted in Germany. www.qlocktwo.com
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HOROLOGY // COLLECTIONS
The Art of
TIME The practice of making clocks and watches is as much an art as a science. We look at some of the landmarks in horological history
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IMAGES © Adobe Stock
rom the earliest days that Man learned to observe the passage of the sun and the moon across the sky, there has been an obsession with measuring and keeping time. As the technology to do this was perfected, clockmaking, and then watchmaking, became valued skills, dependent on science for accuracy and utility, but on art and craftsmanship for beauty. The ancient Egyptians used obelisks to mark the passage of the sun’s shadow, later developing sundials and water clocks, also adopted by the Chinese, Persians and Greeks. Reliant on the elements, these methods were by their nature inaccurate, so only with the development of mechanical timepieces in Europe in the C13th could accuracy be achieved. www.artsandcollections.com
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COLLECTIONS // HOROLOGY
ESCAPEMENT The invention of the verge or crown wheel escapement was an essential development, controlling the rate of a clock by allowing the gear train to advance at regular intervals or ‘ticks’. The verge escapement mechanism was first applied to tower clocks in the 13th century, though it may never be known where the new escapement was first used. Verge escapements were used from the late 13th century until the mid-19th century in clocks and pocket-watches. Early verge clocks were probably no more accurate than the previous water clocks, but did not require water to be manually hauled to fill the reservoir, did not freeze in winter, and were a more promising technology for innovation. By the mid-17th century, when the pendulum replaced the technology, the best verge clocks had achieved an accuracy of 15 minutes per day. A pendulum clock uses a swinging weight as its timekeeping element. A pendulum swings at a precise time interval dependent on its length, and from its invention in 1656 by Christiaan Huygens, inspired by Galileo Galilei, until the 1930s, the pendulum clock was the world’s most precise timekeeper, allowing an accuracy of around 15 seconds per day, and used throughout the 18th and 19th centuries in homes, factories, offices, and railway stations as the primary time standards. Its greater accuracy allowed for the faster pace of life which was necessary for the Industrial Revolution.
PORTABLE
Above: Modern gradfather clock by Howard Miller 38 ARTS & COLLECTIONS
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But since the pendulum mechanism works accurately only if it is kept isolated from any movement or vibration, another approach was required for portable timepieces. The pendant watch was developed from the 16th century, powered by winding a mainspring which turned gears and then moved the hands; it kept time with a rotating balance wheel.
One of the earliest references to a ‘pocket watch’ is in a letter in November 1462 from the Italian clockmaker Bartholomew Manfredi to the Marchese di Mantova Federico Gonzaga, offering him a “pocket clock” better than that belonging to the Duke of Modena. By the end of the 15th century, springdriven clocks were appearing in Italy, and in Germany, Peter Henlein, a master locksmith of Nuremberg, was regularly manufacturing pocket watches by 1526. Pocket watch manufacture spread through Europe as the 16th century progressed. Early watches only had an hour hand, the minute hand appearing in the late 17th century. With the style changing from pendant to pocket watches with the popularisation of the waistcoat, improvements in manufacturing such as the tooth-cutting machine devised by Robert Hooke allowed some increase in the volume of watch production, although finishing and assembling was still done by hand until well into the 19th century. Innovations such as the cylinder and lever escapements and jewel bearings, introduced in England in 1702 by the Swiss mathematician Nicolas Fatio de Duillier, came into use for quality watches characterised by their thinness. Thick pocketwatches based on the verge movement went out of fashion and were only worn by the poor, and were derisively referred to as “onions” and “turnips”. From about 1860, key winding was replaced by keyless winding, where the watch was wound by turning the crown, and at the first international watch precision contest in 1876, during the International Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, the winning watches achieved accuracy of a few seconds per day. By the 1890s, under the influence of military practice, rather than pocketwatches men largely wore wristwatches, previously reserved for women.
GEARING Early experiments with electrical clocks led to the development in 1929 of the quartz crystal as an oscillator, running at around 100,000Hz - divided down and used to run a clock dial-connected synchronous motor through mechanical gearing, this gave unmatched precision, such that by the 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympics, Seiko had a working prototype of a portable quartz watch which was used as the time measurements
IMAGES © HOWARD MILLER
Repetitive oscillatory processes like the swing of a pendulum were the key to mechanical development. A practical pendulum clock was invented in 1656 by Dutch scientist and inventor Christiaan Huygens, and patented the following year. He described it in his manuscript Horologium published in 1658. Huygens contracted the construction of his clock designs to clockmaker Salomon Coster.
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HOROLOGY // COLLECTIONS
throughout the event. The elimination of moving parts made these watches more shock-resistant and eliminated the need for periodic cleaning. The first digital electronic watch with an LED display was developed in 1970 by Pulsar, and in 1974 the Omega Marine Chronometer was introduced, the first wristwatch to hold Marine Chronometer certification, and accurate to 12 seconds per year. There followed varieties of watched with LED and LCD displays, wristwatch calculators and computers, and ‘smart’ watches of all kinds. But in the home, where decoration is arguably more important than accuracy, the fashion for ‘old-fashioned’ standing clocks has had a resurgence. Whether using traditional timekeeping mechanisms or modern digital techniques, many an antique or modern ‘grandfather’ clock now adorns a contemporary hallway. Traditional grandfather clocks are influenced by antique design, focusing on decorative detailed touches such as elaborate carvings and rich detailing, with a ‘bonnet’ or ‘split pediment’ top and traditional designs of dial. More contemporary floor or longcase clocks have a smoother look with neutral elements and neat lines, using simplified details and contemporary style in metal or glass.
the time is displayed to the minute. The front covers of the clock are refined by artisans, exclusively numbered and provided with the signature of the two artists – making each object unique. Of course, the QLOCKTWO is available in several languages. With the application of these creative techniques to clockmaking, the world of horology returns in many ways to its roots – combining science and art in the service of keeping time, and bringing pleasure to the owners of these beautiful and inventive mechanisms. Right and below: QLOCKTWO models for office and home
CONTEMPORARY
Right: Pocket watch of the 1860s
IMAGES © QLOCKTWO, DREAMSTIME
Innovations in contemporary clockmaking come from companies such as QLOCKTWO (https://qlocktwo.com). It all started with a simple and ingenious idea: a time display that shows the time as it is spoken. For many years, artists Marco Biegert and Andreas Funk worked on this idea in their studio until they finally created the first QLOCKTWO in 2009. This is an object that fundamentally changes the way time is displayed, with a matrix of 110 apparently randomly arranged letters at its heart. They are assembled into words by the illuminated surface and display the time in five-minute increments, with four luminous dots in the corners of the matrix complete the time display and ensure that
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Day | 3-16 | Co-educational
Book a tour and more information
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EDUCATION // COLLECTIONS
PROUD TRADITION Knightsbridge School represents the best in British independent education, but from where do its traditions derive?
IMAGES © KNIGHTSBRIDGE SCHOOL
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he UK has a proud tradition of independent schooling, allowing children and families from all backgrounds to enjoy the adventure that is all-round education, both in and out of school. Knightsbridge School (KS), founded in 2006, is a fine example, a community that not only provides exceptional academic expertise but also oozes energy and enthusiasm with children, parents and staff that genuinely love learning. Located in Chelsea, London, KS is an independent Day School, open from 8am to 6pm. KS is co-educational, catering to mixed boys and girls to offer diversity and the opportunity to make friendships for life. The age range of pupils is three to 16, providing all-through education to GCSE level, and welcoming a first intake of Year 9s in 2020. KS was founded by Magoo Giles, Principal, alongside Alderman William Russell, the 692nd Mayor of the City of London. The current Head is Shona Colaço, a trained EFL and science teacher www.artsandcollections.com
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and schools inspector. In the tradition of independent British schools, KS aims to give children the skills they need to stand tall in today’s changing world. They are self-confident and focused, but at the same time they understand the importance of adaptability and creative thinking. With this blend of attributes, Knightsbridge School pupils develop into natural problem-solvers, equipped with ideas and approaches to help them succeed as global citizens of the future.
DYNAMIC One example of this principle at work is the Entrepreneur Event, which gives pupils a fantastic opportunity to dip their toes into the dynamic world of business. Children are challenged to create new product ideas and put them forward in a Dragons’ Den-style pitch, with advice and marketing tips offered via a series of entrepreneur workshops in the lead up to the final event. Chosen finalists are then given the chance to realise their product ideas and showcase them in
a marketplace, which the school community are invited to attend as prospective buyers. The 2017–18 winner was an imaginative, eco-friendly Gravity Apples concept which turned ‘ugly’ apples that would have otherwise been discarded into delicious dried fruit snacks – and with each sale made gaving back by planting a tree. At an academic level, KS children have recorded some extraordinary achievements, with one taking first place in the Year 7 category at the national Pangea Maths Competition, entered by over 8,000 students, and another awarded second prize for his first oil painting in the Junior section at The Hurlingham Club Annual Art Exhibition. The collective success of these pupils demonstrates the importance of identifying and encouraging potential at an individual level. KS has over 70 extra–curricular clubs covering sport, dance, drama, languages, IT and academic subjects. Find out more about Knightsbridge School, download a prospectus and arrange a visit at www.knightsbridgeschool.com. ARTS & COLLECTIONS 41
06/11/2023 16:29
ARTS // CULTURE
Protecting
UKRAINE’S
Arts and Heritage Tatiana Fokina of NGO Save the Spot explains how the international community can help defend arts and culture in Ukraine
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ince Russia’s illegal attack on Ukraine in February 2022, it is estimated that over 1,600 cultural heritage sites have been damaged or destroyed due to Russian action. Some of these venues housed artworks which may never be recovered, erasing some of Ukraine’s rich
and varied cultural heritage. This tragic fact underscores the responsibility we have to protect the many cultural assets targeted as part of this assault on Ukrainian identity. Non-profits like Save the Spot can provide an innovative way to help, allowing individuals to donate directly to a number of institutions suffering during this devastating war.
Playing in the ruins: Irpin Central House of Culture
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DEVASTATION Ukraine’s cultural heritage faces significant threats, particularly in the wake of Russian attacks. These attacks on Ukrainian territory not only result in loss of life and destruction of infrastructure but also pose a grave danger to the cultural fabric of the nation. Cultural sites, monuments, museums, libraries, and archives are at risk of destruction or plundering, erasing invaluable historical and artistic treasures that represent the collective memory of the Ukrainian people.
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CULTURE // ARTS
Some of these sites have suffered significant losses since the war began, such as the Irpin House of Culture. The institution is located in the city of Irpin in the Kyiv region, one of the most picturesque and culturally rich locations in the country. The architecturally significant Irpin House of Culture itself hosted 60 events attended by more than 10,000 people in 2021 alone. Attacks by Russian shelling destroyed most of the building, leaving only parts of the frontal façade intact. The estimated cost of saving this beautiful edifice is estimated to be around 15m Euros.
IMAGES © SAVE THE SPOT
SUPPORT International organisations play a critical role in raising awareness about the importance of preserving and protecting cultural legacies, by providing resources, expertise, and coordination mechanisms to monitor, assess, and mitigate the damage caused by Russian attacks on Ukraine’s cultural heritage. One such organisation is the Cultural Heritage Monitoring Lab, a partnership between the Virginia Museum of Natural History and the Smithsonian Cultural Rescue Initiative. Monitoring damage to cultural assets around the world and publishing detailed reports on the extent of the destruction, the CHML does vital work in tracking where help is needed most. Organisations such as Save the Spot can then do their bit in mobilising funds to support the reconstruction efforts. One of the sites targeted by the Russian war machine tells a fascinating story. Located in Chernihiv, a city in Northern Ukraine - not far from the Belarussian border - the Chernihiv Historical Museum stands as a physical embodiment of resistance against oppression. Chernihiv itself was designated as one of ten Ukrainian Hero Cities, due to its resistance to Russian forces which besieged Chernihiv in the early days of the war. During the siege, the city suffered tragic destruction, with its Historical Museum having to dismantle its collection in order to protect some of its valuable artworks. The museum’s staff exhibited immense bravery in putting their own lives in danger to save the collection, showing the sector’s dedication to do whatever it takes to salvage Ukrainian heritage in the www.artsandcollections.com
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face of considerable peril. Now, with an unwavering commitment to preserving Ukraine’s cultural legacy, the team is embarking on an inspiring new project. Through the development of a new museum dedicated to the war with Russia and the heroism of Chernihiv’s people, they are writing a new chapter in the museum’s history. One of Chernihiv’s most precious possessions is the 17th century portrait of Bohdan Khmelnytsky. This historical figure is considered a national hero in Ukraine and is often portrayed as a symbol of Ukrainian independence and resistance against foreign domination.
Above: Resisting oppression - Chernihiv Historical Museum Below: Tatiana Fokina of Save the Spot
PROTECTION The protection and promotion of Ukraine’s cultural heritage can serve as a powerful symbol of international solidarity. By supporting initiatives such as Save the Spot, individuals and organizations from around the world can demonstrate their commitment to preserving not only Ukraine’s heritage but also the shared human heritage that transcends borders. Through Save the Spot, we provide a unique approach to supporting Ukraine. We allow people to purchase “unused tickets” for Ukrainian cultural entities through an online platform. This money goes straight to our partner organisations in Ukraine and helps protect and rebuild the wonderful institutions in endangered communities across the country.
It is of utmost importance to recognise the value of preserving and supporting cultural heritage during times of crisis. Organisations like Save the Spot play a critical role in raising awareness and providing much-needed assistance to the cultural sector. By prioritising the protection of a nation’s culture, we can help ensure that its identity, history, and spirit endure for generations to come. https://savethespot.org ARTS & COLLECTIONS 43
27/10/2023 13:50
COLLECTIONS // SOTHEBY’S
LEGENDARY STATUS
Sotheby’s Private Sales works discreetly and seamlessly with buyers and sellers of world-class works through the year, independent of the auction calendar
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ith strong, growing interest from the community of collectors, Sotheby’s Private Sales enables the freedom to collect world-class works on any day of the year, outside the traditional auction calendar. Sotheby’s connoisseurship and deep knowledge of the global market enables
it to advise on evolving collections across all fine art disciplines, as well as diamonds and high jewellery, watches and rare vintages. Over the last five years, Sotheby’s has grossed $5.6 billion in sales across 85 countries covering 52 categories of fine art and luxury property. David Schrader, Chairman, Global Private
Sales, says: “We have the privilege of being the largest private dealer in the secondary market, with nearly $1.2 billion in sales achieved worldwide in 2022 across 44 categories.” Prices are on application unless otherwise stated. Find out more about Sotheby’s Private sales at www.sothebys.com.
WILLIAM COLLINS
Pair of George IV monumental ornaments Gilt-lacquered brass These extraordinary gilt-lacquered-brass vase ornaments from c. 1823 offer a fascinating insight into one of the most important commissions of the 19th century; that of ‘lamp manufacturer’ William Collins for the 3rd Duke and Duchess of Northumberland for Northumberland House, one of the greatest private palaces in London. In their current state, they are purely decorative objects - however, they would have certainly formed part of Collins’ extensive lighting scheme at Northumberland House. But in what manner?
TIM NOBLE AND SUE WEBSTER
Sacrificial Heart Aluminium, stainless steel, fibreglass Signed and numbered 3/3 on a label affixed to the inside, this work represents a heart encircled by an octopus tentacle and pierced by a sword. Number 3 from an edition of 3, plus 2 artist’s proofs, it features white turbo reflector caps, lamps, holders, painted aluminium, stainless steel, fibreglass and an electronic light sequencer. The piece, executed in 2007, measures 307x195x127cm, and previously sold at Christie’s in 2012 for £85,000. 44 ARTS & COLLECTIONS
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SOTHEBY’S // COLLECTIONS
SEBASTIÃO SALGADO
Rio Gregório Indigenous Territory, State of Acre, Brazil Platinum print Executed in 2016, printed in 2022, this 22x29.9 in. (56x76cm) print is no.1 from a projected edition of 7. Brazilian social documentary photographer and photojournalist Sebastião Ribeiro Salgado Júnior (born February 8, 1944) has travelled in over 120 countries for his photographic projects. Most of these have appeared in numerous press publications and books. Salgado works on long term, self-assigned projects, many of which have been published as books: The Other Americas, Sahel, Workers, Migrations, and Genesis. His most famous pictures are of a gold mine in Brazil called Serra Pelada. Touring exhibitions of his work have been presented throughout the world.
HERMÈS
Printed Toile and Indigo Regate Rolling Mobility Suitcase, 2022 Palladium hardware Offered at USD 17,500, this 50cm high luggage item has palladium fittings and an interior lined in a beige textile material, and includes tag, insert and box. Made of canvas and leather in a spacious size, robust and ultra-mobile, it glides along smoothly on its four wheels, while its ingeniously arranged interior boasts many practical features. Sleek and chic, it is the perfect travel accessory.
LANCIA/BERTONE
IMAGES © SOTHEBY’S
Stratos HF Stradale Chassis No. 829AR0 001640 One of 492 examples built, this German market delivered, modestly driven example benefits from a life of consistent maintenance via only four owners from new. Displaying 55,786 km at cataloguing, it is documented with copies of Bertone build logs, German registration records, TUV inspection certificates, and service invoices. A well-sorted and highly presentable example of Lancia’s celebrated three-time WRC-winning legend, considered by many enthusiasts to be the most successful rally car ever devised. www.artsandcollections.com
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27/10/2023 13:52
The Rarest Japanese Whisky of All
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he World’s Rarest Japanese Whisky, Shirakawa 1958 Single Malt Japanese Whisky from Takara Shuzo Co. Ltd. Is now available from Tomatin Distillery Co. Ltd. Shirakawa 1958 is a single malt whisky from the lost Japanese distillery, Shirakawa, which was located 200km North of Tokyo, Japan. The whisky produced was rumoured to be exquisite, but destined only for blending and never to be captured as a single malt until now, with a collaboration between Tomatin Distillery and Takara Shuzo. This remarkable and incredibly rare expression will be the only official single malt bottling from Shirakawa Distillery; limited to 1,500 bottles globally, and is the earliest single vintage Japanese whisky ever bottled. “There are no known examples of Japanese Whisky claiming to be from a Single Vintage that predate Shirakawa 1958,” confirms Stefan van Eycken, the pre-eminent authority on the world of Japanese whisky and distilling. The Shirakawa Distillery was built in the Fukushima Prefecture, in 1939 by Daikoku Budoshu. Operating for nearly six and a half decades, it produced malt whisky between 1951-1969, one of the first distilleries in Japan to do so. The vast majority of the whisky produced was used in Takara Shuzo’s flagship ‘King’ blended whisky brand. The Shirakawa Distillery was demolished in 2003.
Untouched
Stephen Bremner, Managing Director of Tomatin Distillery Co. Ltd. became intrigued by parent company Takara Shuzo’s history of malt whisky production, and pieced together anecdotal information from previous employees and long lost documents. A final remnant was identified in 2019, liquid distilled in 1958, aged in cask, then transferred to ceramic jars at the distillery. When Shirakawa closed, it was put into stainless steel tanks at Takara Shuzo’s factory in Kyushu where it lay untouched until now. “I became fascinated by the story of Shirakawa and its history of whisky production” explains Stephen Bremner. “There had never been an official single malt bottling, and the distillery had long gone, but when I discovered that the last remaining stock was distilled in 1958, I was astounded! It was a genuine WOW moment as I realised very quickly that what we were dealing with was extremely rare.” The 1958 vintage – 49% ABV – bottled by Takara Shuzo Co. Ltd. in Japan, will exist as the only official single malt ever to be released from Shirakawa Distillery and the earliest known single vintage Japanese whisky ever bottled. 1,500 bottles are available via tomatindistillery.com and selected retail partners worldwide including Harrods, Berry Bros, The Whisky Exchange & Royal Mile Whiskies at an RRP of £25,000.
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WHISKY // COLLECTIONS
AFORE YE GO A Scottish whisky tasting holiday demands a stay in a traditional hotel. Here are a few warming suggestions
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cotland’s whisky distilleries are among the country’s most popular tourist attractions, but after a tour of the distillery and the essential whisky tasting, you’ll probably want to find a warm bed rather than a designated driver for the journey home. That’s where Scotland’s fine hotels come in, providing warmth and hospitality after a hard day sampling the golden drop. According to Trip Advisor, one of the top-rated distillery tours is the Tomatin Distillery Visitor Centre. Just 16 miles south of Inverness and 15 miles north of Aviemore on the A9, this is extremely convenient for anyone travelling to or from the Highlands, and is open all year around. The beautiful Glenan Lodge Guest House is just four minutes’ walk away from the Tomatin Distillery Visitor Centre, and features a comfortable guest lounge and a full range of Highland delicacies in its breakfast and evening menus. Many places of historical interest are also close by including Culloden Battlefield, Cawdor Castle, and of course Loch Ness, Skye and John O’ Groats can also make a great day out as can Balmoral, the King’s Summer residence.
the accommodation is peaceful, yet just two minutes from the centre. Originally a wine merchant’s house, built in the 1860’s, the Dundarach became a hotel in 1936, and is just a four minute walk from the Blair Athol Distillery - the spiritual home of Bell’s Whisky, established in 1798. The Blair Athol Allt Dour Tour is a guided distillery tour followed by a tutored tasting of six extraordinary whiskies. This tasting experience includes a cask strength whisky drawn straight from the
cask and the Distillery Exclusive Bottling. The five star West Highland Way Hotel just outside Glasgow is under two miles away from Glengoyne Distillery, one of Scotland’s most photogenic, which offers you the chance to blend your own individual whisky to take home. The West Highland Way Hotel is also a short drive away from Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. www.visitscotland.com
IMAGES © WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
ATTRACTIONS The Victorian grandeur of the Columba Hotel in Oban is less than 500 feet away from Oban Distillery - one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland, established by brothers Hugh and John Stevenson in 1793, with just two stills and seven staff. In 1989, Oban 14 Year Old was named one of six Classic Malts representing the Western Highlands region. The nearby Columba Hotel has 50 beautiful rooms with views of the harbour, sea and the hills, and organises visits to nearby attractions such as the isles of Mull and Iona. In Pitlochry, the Dundarach Hotel offers stunning views over the River Tummel. Set in a couple of acres of private grounds, www.artsandcollections.com
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ARTS // PHOTOGRAPHY
CAPTURING the Land
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n the 2023 Epson International Pano landscape photography awards, the overall winner of the 2023 Open Photographer of the Year and also the Nature/Landscape category was José D. Riquelme from Spain for his entries The Bridge, Alone in the Dark and Ghost Cave. Describing The Bridge, Riquelme said, “After over a dozen visits to Iceland, exploring its majestic lands, during a rest stop, I decided to change my perspective and launch my drone. To my amazement, I captured this incredible image. From above, lines form a bridge extending from left to right, while on the ground, abstract shapes emerge from the flowing river water originating from the glacier.” Riquelme, a passionate landscape and night photographer hailing from Murcia, Spain, has an extensive background 48 ARTS & COLLECTIONS
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in graphic design and printing, but his photographic journey began just eight years ago. In his initial two years, challenging the conventional notion of photographic locations, he used his mobile phone to perfect compositions in seemingly unphotogenic environments. In the stunning image Alone in the Dark, we are immersed in the mysterious and desolate landscape of Deadvlei, Namibia. In the foreground, a petrified tree, a solitary witness to the passing of time, stands majestically against a starry sky.
MAGICAL Ghost Cave, seen above, is a breathtaking extreme panorama captured at the iconic Kirkjufell in Iceland. This image is composed of three rows of photographs spanning from the ground to the sky, embracing the
wall behind. This panoramic composition achieves a stunning optical effect that simulates the appearance of a cave, adding a magical touch to the image. The Epson International Pano Awards showcases the work of panoramic photographers worldwide and continues to be the largest global competition for panoramic photography. This year the competition received 4,414 entries from 1,104 professional and amateur photographers in 102 countries representing more entries per entrant this year, and an increase in entries overall from 2022. The entrants were competing for thousands of dollars cash and prizes, with main sponsor Epson Australia providing printers and projectors as prizes. See the winners at thepanoawards.com/ 2023-winners-gallery
IMAGES © JOSÉ D RIQUELME / EPSON PANO AWARDS
The winners of the 2023 Epson Pano Photographic Awards included some stunning landscape works
www.artsandcollections.com
27/10/2023 14:02
Discover the world of art investment
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COLLECTIONS // PROPERTY
EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY One of music’s biggest stars, Sir Rod Stewart has a home as big as his voice. Now the LA mansion is up for sale at $70m
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PROPERTY // COLLECTIONS
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ir Rod Stewart’s home is as big as his reputation, with 13 bedrooms occupying 28,500 square feet on over three acres of prime Los Angeles North Beverly Park turf. Now Rod’s home is for sale and featured on website TopTenRealEstateDeals.com, where the most opulent showbiz properties are often seen. For over 50 years, the London-born-andraised Sir Rod Stewart’s distinctive raspy voice and charismatic stage presence have made him a beloved and very successful artist. His all-time classic songs including Mandolin Wind, Tonight’s the Night, Forever Young, and Maggie May have provided a soundtrack to generations from baby boomers to Generation Z. As popular in the United States as he is in his native England, Rod is still rocking audiences everywhere, especially in his ongoing Las Vegas show that began in 2011 and starts up again in November. Rod has sold over 120 million records worldwide and received numerous accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, both as a solo artist and as a member of the band Faces. He has explored various musical genres, including rock, folk, pop, and soul, showcasing his versatility as an artist. Apart from his successful solo career, he has also collaborated with other musicians and bands, such as The Faces and The Jeff Beck Group. Left: The mansion’s striking yellow exterior
IMAGES © Ryan Lahiff, courtesy of Douglas Elliman
This page: Richard Landry’s flamboyant style
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COLLECTIONS // PROPERTY
ORNATE As flamboyant as its owner, the LA mansion has a striking yellow exterior, a large Las Vegas-style fountain and ornate double doors that welcome visitors to the home’s grand foyer. The first floor has two sitting rooms with intricate mouldings, traditionally decorated and filled with Old World treasures. There is a gourmet kitchen next to the tea room and the den with fireplaces and loggias, a wine room, an exquisite dining room that seats 20, a bar that rivals the best of the European taverns with a large mirror and several oilpainted Renaissance nudes, French doors that lead to the covered loggia, manicured grounds, a wood-panelled library, wood-inlay floors, and, in case one bar isn’t enough, there is also a green speakeasy perfect for a nightcap. There is also a 4,500-squarefoot guesthouse. A double staircase leads to the private quarters including the primary bedroom suite with dual bathrooms – one is pink and the other is green. There are extra-large closets to hold Rod’s huge shoe collection. Covered terraces that overlook one of LA’s best pools and luscious grounds with city and canyon views. Rod is a huge soccer fan - he was a serious player well into his 60s - so, of course, there is also a soccer field. Stewart originally acquired the vacant lot in 1991 for just over $12 million and then hired architect-to-the-stars Richard Landry to build the home. In addition to Stewart, Landry has designed homes for Tom Brady, Sylvester Stallone, Michael Bolton, Kenny G, and Wayne Gretzky. North Beverly Park is LA’s most exclusive neighbourhood with extra-large estates and immaculate landscaping located just north of Beverly Hills, developed in the 1980s for the world’s richest people. Current and former celebrity owners include Adele, Mark Warburg, Denzel Washington and Magic Johnson. The entire neighbourhood is gated, with round-the-clock guards. Sir Rod Stewart’s home is currently for sale at $70 million, with the listing held by Michelle Oliver from Douglas Elliman. Photos by Ryan Lahiff, courtesy of Douglas Elliman.
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IMAGES © Ryan Lahiff, courtesy of Douglas Elliman.
PROPERTY // COLLECTIONS
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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Wheels of fortune
Over the past two decades, rare and exotic cars have established themselves as great investment objects. INVESTMENT CARS Numbers on classic car investment performance from the HAGI Top Index shows an impressive increase from index 100 in 2005 to around index 700 in 2020. This proves that fine and rare cars are great investment objects alongside whiskey, coins, wine, art and precious metals. And looking at mid-to-long term investment yields, cars have proven to outrun literally any other category out there. Also, investing in cars is as much an emotions game, as it is a numbers game, so a sensible and well-executed investment - even in an average category - can end up giving a high yield. For automotive aficionados, this has only made iconic cars even more attractive, more expensive and the market even more complex to navigate through. THE TOP TIER Looking back at the last 5-10 years, it is clear that fine and rare Ferrari’s have been frontrunners on ROI - primarily compared to brands like Porsche, Lamborghini and Mercedes-Benz. This applies to several Ferrari models, but in particular to limited production models, racing cars and other models with a special history. For you as an investor, this means that you should search for the cars, that are out of the ordinary, for pristine, low mileage cars and for cars with a special place in world history and society. FINDING THE HIDDEN GEMS Acquiring your next investment car is rarely as easy as purchasing an ordinary off-the-shelf car. It is a meticulous process with many pitfalls – especially for the less experienced buyer. Many exclusive and exotic cars are bought and sold by enthusiasts and collectors all over the world, often assisted by a broker in the form of an agent, an auction house, a car dealership or the like. However, a large part of the market activity takes place as private trades, meaning that these cars are not publicly listed for sale. That is why getting the right assistance from experienced consultants, will get you the best ROI. One of Europe’s leading advisors in this niche is CORE Investment Cars, based in Copenhagen, Denmark. With passion and dedication, these niche experts constantly strive for excellence in their search for the exact cars you desire, whether they are hand-picked among publicly listed cars, won at international auctions, found in hidden collections, or maybe even discovered as ultra-exquisite barn finds. Through their strong global network, individual counseling and secondto-none personal service, they ensure you the best results and yields. Learn more on coreinvestmentcars.com
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Perhaps the fastest investment on earth
This is a Ferrari 275 GTB/4 from ’67. It takes you from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 6 seconds. But it also takes you into the world of rare cars investment – just like fine art, jewels, and rare watches. And with a return on investment that leaped from index 100 to 700 in 15 years*.
Lots of parameters come into play to find the right car: Condition, rarity, history, usability, provenance and more. And as the market is global, the purchase negotiation often requires skills and craftsmanship.
Similar to investing in other exotic categories, finding the right investment cars requires experience, knowledge of the market and the cars, and an exquisite network.
At CORE Investment Cars, we take pride in offering our customers decades of experience and our global network in the search, selection, and sourcing of your next heart-pounding investment.
* From 2005 to 2020. Source: HAGI Top Index
Call or visit coreinvestmentcars.com for more inspiration.
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COLLECTIONS // CARS
75 YEARS OF PORSCHE
Porsche celebrated 75 years of its sports cars in 2023. We look at the events that commemorated this important anniversary BY DICK BENSON
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n 1948, Ferdinand ‘Ferry’ Porsche realised his dream of a sports car when with his team, he produced the Porsche 356 ‘No. 1’ Roadster. It marked the birth of a legendary brand and laid the foundation for an exemplary success story – indeed for the Porsche legend. “We are celebrating together with people who are inspired by dreams,” says Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG. “75 years of Porsche stand for pioneering spirit, passion and dreams.” The anniversary celebrations kicked off with a special exhibition Driven by Dreams: 75 Years of Porsche Sports Cars, which opened in January in the DRIVE. Volkswagen Group Forum in Berlin and ran
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until 10th September 2023. Visitors to the exhibition had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the visions and ventures of Porsche’s success story and to make a record of their own dreams and values using a digital module. Driven by Dreams defined the essence of the brand. Furthermore, the slogan reflects the approach with which the people behind Porsche work every day to fulfil the dreams of customers around the globe. “We are proud of our heritage. It is the foundation for a successful future” explains Oliver Blume, adding: “We associate our heritage with innovation and progress – and continually add extraordinary new moments to the unique Porsche story.”
HOMAGE The Porsche Vision 357 – a homage to the 356 – is a prime example of this and can be seen for the first time in Berlin. With it, the Style Porsche team brings monolithic design into the present and shows possible implementations of a future design philosophy: a striking example is the consistent enhancement of the light signature, which is both progressive and visionary in the way it points towards the future. The fundamental concept is reflective of the interplay between tradition and innovation: what might Ferry Porsche’s dream of a sports car look like today? “With the Porsche Vision 357, we have www.artsandcollections.com
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CARS // COLLECTIONS
IMAGES © PORSCHE
created a very special birthday present. It underlines the importance of our design DNA based on the 356,” says Michael Mauer, Vice President Style, Porsche. “The study is an attempt to coherently combine the past, present and future. The proportions are reminiscent of the historical model, while details visualise the view into the future.” Built on the platform of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, the Porsche Vision 357 represents outstanding sports car performance. Porsche continued its anniversary celebrations just outside Stuttgart at leading classic car fair Retro Classics in February, and in June the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen opened an extensive special exhibition, with Porsche Germany highlighting the anniversary at the Festival of Dreams at the Porsche Experience Center at the Hockenheimring, where the sports car manufacturer will exhibit the history, present and future of the brand. The success story of 75 Years of Porsche Sports Cars will also be celebrated at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, the highestaltitude automobile exhibition in the world on the Grossglockner, and the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne. Moreover, the exhibition materials from
Driven by Dreams will be taken to more than 60 destinations in Europe and the US in a ‘Heritage Truck’ specially designed for the anniversary year. The conclusion of the worldwide activities is the Rennsport Reunion car festival in California.
CELEBRATION Porsche Rennsport Reunion 7 in Monterey, California saw the world’s largest Porsche
gathering, with over 300 race cars participating in competition at the world’s largest gathering of Porsche enthusiasts across four days. The seventh celebration of Porsche motorsport past, present and future took place from September 28th – October 1st, with eight classes of legendary Porsche race cars spanning seven decades. The event, held at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, celebrated iconic racers from the past, through to the cutting edge of today, including the German marque’s most current international prototype racer, the 963. It was also the site of rounds 13 and 14 of the Porsche Deluxe Carrera Cup North America featuring the mighty 911 GT3 Cup car. The Porsche Club of America (PCA) and exhibition car runs joined the Porsche Deluxe Carrera Cup North America, the premier one-make race series in the United States and Canada, to entertain enthusiasts of the German sports car manufacturer. The 2.238-mile track, famous for its signature “Corkscrew” turn, offered nearly constant action from 8:00 a.m. through to 6:30 p.m. each day, part of a fitting tribute to the legacy of this automotive legend. www.porscherennsportreunion.com Above: The Porsche 919 Tribute hybrid evo Opening page and left: Racing at Rennsport Reunion
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As unique as you and your dreams.
911 Turbo: Fuel consumption combined in l/100 km: 12,3–12,0 (WLTP): CO₂ emissions combined in g/km: 279–271 (WLTP) | https://porsche.click/DAT-Leitfaden | Status: 01/2023
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COLLECTIONS // INVESTMENT
THE GOLD BUG Gold remains an attractive investment even when markets fluctuate. What is it about the previous metal that fascinates?
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ashions in investment fluctuate – one year we might be advised to put our money into futures, the next, NFT artworks, then cask whisky - but the lure of gold never seems to change. Though its value may go up and down with economic turmoil, you’ll always find someone to argue that it’s worth sitting on gold as its value will always recover. Indeed, while currency seems unreliable, and cryptocurrency even more so, many investors continue to base their portfolio on this most evocative of precious metals, convinced that its inherent rarity and satisfyingly physical presence will always lead to its value bouncing back. There are certainly many ways to invest in gold; you can buy it in the form of bullion or coins, put savings into an EFT (Exchange Traded Fund), or invest indirectly, in the stocks of mining companies. What never changes is the relative rarity
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of gold. According to the US Government, about 244,000 metric tons of gold has been discovered (187,000 metric tons historically produced plus current underground reserves of 57,000 metric tons). Most of it comes from just three countries: China, Australia, and South Africa. The United States ranked fourth in gold production in 2016. All of the gold discovered thus far would fit in a cube measuring 23 meters wide on every side.
VAULT Although the mineral does have functions in computers and communications equipment, most of it is used in jewellery; its appearance is striking enough that historically it has always been seen as a signifier of wealth and power. A gold bar kept in a vault may not have that cachet, but it will certainly make you feel good to know you have it there. Of course, the old cliché of the miser hoarding gold coins in his mattress is
long gone – the insurance implications alone are enough to make sure that most wise investors will pay someone to look after their gold for them. This also has the advantage that your investment can be liquidated with ease. Specialists such as Sharps Pixley of London (www.sharpspixley.com) can act as a ‘one stop shop’ for gold investors; providing, for instance, buying and selling services for gold coins and bars (currently around £1,600 for a 1oz gold coin, or £50,000 for a 1kg gold bar). Sharps Pixley can also offer secure, safe deposit boxes and tax-efficient vaulting with preferential buy-back rates, as well as investment and pensions advice and services. So, if your confidence in stocks and shares is at an all-time low, and you don’t know your NFTs from your elbow, perhaps it’s time to look again at gold; the one investment which will never lose its glitter.
IMAGES © DREAMSTIME
BY JOHN RENWICK
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Perpetual Allure M A J E S T Y, WE A LTH , P OWE R – A N D PROTEC TI O N
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hatever gold means to you, the case for precious metal ownership only grows stronger. Central banks can’t print gold and silver, which perhaps explains why they bought more gold in 2022 than in any year on record back to 1950. Add real value to your portfolio today and find out more about the world’s oldest obsession at Sharps Pixley.
T: +44 (0) 207 871 0532 | E: INFO@SHARPSPIXLEY.COM 54 ST JAMES’S STREET | LONDON | SW1A 1JT
S H A R P S PIX LE Y.CO M
pa rt o f t h e d eg us s a g ro u p : zu ri ch i g en e va i fr a n k f u rt i m a d ri d i lo n d o n
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JEWELLERY // COLLECTIONS
Coining New
DESIGNS Creative Director Dominic Jones discusses the inspiration behind the new collection, Tutamen, his second collection for 886 by The Royal Mint.
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IMAGES © ROYAL MINT
or more than a thousand years the Royal Mint has struck the coins of British monarchs, beginning with Alfred the Great. The 886 jewellery collection by The Royal Mint fuses heritage with innovation, taking its name from the year of its birth. Dominic Jones says: “The inspiration for the Tutamen collection for 886 is the story of the redesign of British coinage. Most people take for granted the design of a coin and don’t know the history behind its change, and the collection tells the two parts of the story. Before the re-design in the 17th century, silver and gold coins were like flat pancakes and clever people started to realise that the value was in the visual circle, rather than the coin itself, so they began to trim the coins smaller and smaller to steal the valuable material from the outside edge.” The practice of ‘coin clipping’ translated into a redesign of the coinage, a reference Dominic found in his research to the “The Toenail Hoard” from the Forest of Dean, a tangled, chaotic collection of the stolen edges of coins. “There were harsh consequences of stealing the edge of coins at the time:, he explains – “it was considered an act of treason, so you were risking your life to do so. Yet it was happening on such an industrial scale that the value of the British currency at that time, which continued to circulate at face value, no longer related to the decreasing amount www.artsandcollections.com
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of precious metal in the coins. Our money was worth what it said it was. It became such an important issue that coins had to be reworked and redesigned. “The image of the chaos of the stolen hoard, and the order of the milled edge with its solid depth and controlled rim around the coin, is what’s represented in the designs.”
TUTAMEN The range, available from https://886. royalmint.com, includes both off-theshelf and made-to-order pieces, of which perhaps the most stunning is the limited edition Tutamen Large Stack Necklace. Inspired by a stack of coins, combining traditional 17th Century coin-making techniques and exceptional fine jewellery design, it features stunning baguette diamonds nestled within the milled edge stacks which are engraved Decus et Tutamen - An Ornament and a Safeguard. The 18ct chain is expertly crafted to reflect light and features a hidden integrated 14ct box clasp for a secure wear. Cost is £110,000. Also in the range at £7,495 are Diamond Stack Drop Earrings inspired by a stack of £1 coins beneath a dissection of the Welsh leek and Royal Diadem designed by Leslie Durbin, CBE - one of the most highly regarded Silversmiths of the 20th Century; and other pieces including rings, stud ear-rings, pendants and bangles, at prices from £125. ARTS & COLLECTIONS 63
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ARTS // PAINTING
The Summit of
PAINTING
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n July 2022, painter James Hart Dyke climbed Mont Blanc via its rarely attempted north face, in order to paint from the summit at sunset. As the leading mountain painter of his generation, Hart Dyke saw this mission as the culmination of years of work as a landscape artist. He could not have known that the expedition would also mark what he later called “the most emotionally charged and intensely concentrated period of time I have ever 64 ARTS & COLLECTIONS
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experienced while making a painting.” His work is centred on landscape painting, from the domesticity of paintings of country houses, to paintings generated from physically demanding expeditions over remote mountains. James has also undertaken a series of projects including accompanying the then Prince of Wales as the official artist on royal tours, as artist in residence for The British Secret Intelligence Service and motor manufacturer Aston
Martin, as an artist embedded with the British Forces in war zones, and working for the producers of the James Bond films. These projects required him to respond in many ways and have allowed him to experiment with more graphic forms of painting influenced by his studies as an architect at the Royal College of Art. His portraits have been shown at the National Portrait Gallery and at the Royal Society of Portrait Painters exhibitions, and John
IMAGES © JAMES HART DYKE
When James Hart Dyke decided to paint Mont Blanc, there was only one way to do it – from the summit
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PAINTING // ARTS
Mitchell Fine Paintings has been exhibiting James Hart Dyke’s paintings since 2002 at 4, Cromwell Place, London, SW7 2JE. MONT BLANC: The Summit Paintings ran from 27th September – 8th October 2023. Accompanied by a retinue of guides, a cameraman and climbers, Hart Dyke ascended the Grands Mulets route of Mont Blanc. This is a variation of the original, l’ancien passage, taken by Jacques Balmat and Dr. Michel Paccard in 1786 on the historic first ascent of Mont Blanc. James Hart Dyke’s objective was to reenact and emulate as closely as possible the conditions under which the legendary French painter of the Alps, Gabriel Loppé (1825-1913) made his pair of summit paintings at sunset in August 1873.
The expedition was two years in the planning and conceived by William Mitchell of London-based John Mitchell Fine Paintings, a climber himself as well as a published authority on Gabriel Loppé and a scholar of painters working in the Alps. Going on foot from the steps of Loppé’s former home in Chamonix and coming down four days later, William wanted to follow as closely as possible the route which Loppé took himself. As always in mountaineering, the descent was far more perilous, particularly as the team had to undertake it at night. The team were guided by Christophe Profit, the legendary French guide and the only person in the world able to navigate this route.
CLIMB
James Hart Dyke says, “Standing on the summit of Mont Blanc at sunset was not only the culmination of years of work as a landscape artist but also the most emotionally charged and intensely concentrated period of time I have ever experienced while making a painting.” William Mitchell added “The adventure will live with me forever. Watching James paint as the sun retreated, I felt the 150 years which separated Gabriel Loppé’s Mont Blanc sunset and our own disappear.”
Thanks to a weather window and judicious planning, James was able to spend nearly two hours on the summit to paint two pictures in situ. Although there was only a slight breeze, the temperature was between -15 and -20 Celsius. An exhibition at Cromwell Place will show around forty paintings and sketches from this adventure, including ones made during the climb itself. It will also unveil for the very first time in public, the all-important summit views. These pictures will hang alongside the two painted by Gabriel Loppé 150 years ago at exactly the same time of day.
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SUMMIT
Opening Page: Painting on the summit This page: The studio and studies
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COLLECTIONS // TRAVEL
Consider it Done Travel concierge services takes the effort out of vacationing – but what can they offer, and how does it all work?
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enjoy the experience without concern. Services such as OneFineStay (www.onefinestay.com) can come up with an endless array of destinations, from metropolitan centres such as London and New York to tropical paradises like Antigua and Barbados and adventure destinations such as the Rocky Mountains. Each destination offers a choice of spectacular homes, villas and chalets, for any size of party.
DESTINATIONS But choosing the destination is just the start of the services on offer, as the OneFineStay team can also bypass the hassle of car rentals, taxis and public transport, arranging a private transfer instead. You can also be assigned a dedicated driver for your entire stay in most locations.
OneFineStay can also arrange an endless array of activities, from scuba diving, horse riding and chartering yachts to private tours, the latest shows and helicopter trips. You can be booked into the destination’s best spas, or indulge with a yoga session and wellness treatment at home. Fine dining is also no problem, as from a family barbeque to a fine dining feast, private chefs can delight you for a special occasion or throughout your entire stay. You can even enjoy in-home cooking lessons at some locations. The best aspect of a luxury travel concierge service is the round-the-clock support, with someone always on hand to help from your first enquiry through the entire duration of your stay. Just ask, and you can consider it done - it’s really the essence of what a holiday is all about.
IMAGES © Dreamstime
our vacation should be a time for pure relaxation and enjoyment, away from the hassles of work and everyday home life. Whether you are travelling as a couple or a family, the holiday is an opportunity to relax and unwind, forget your problems and recharge your batteries. It’s also a chance to make life memories that you will be able to look back on with joy in later years. But, with the growth of international travel, the worry of lockdowns and security alerts and the problems of climate change, arranging a vacation can become a source of stress in itself; you can put so much effort and thought into it that you need a vacation to recover from the vacation. This is where a concierge service comes in, taking on all the burdens of actually organising the holiday, so you can relax and
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COLLECTIONS // TRAVEL
ARCTIC ADVENTURE Y
ou may be familiar with the idea of luxury yacht hire from companies like Classic Charters, and associate the idea with sun, sandy beaches and lluxurious accommodation below decks. But now Classic Charters (www.classic-charters.com), Director, Dominic Meredith Hardy is breaking new ground, and is offering something quite different for his most adventurous bespoke clients - an extraordinary adventure into the freezing waters of Iceland and Greenland on the Argus, a vessel designed for intrepid adventurers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience with all the comforts of home. Named after the mighty giant of Greek mythology, Argus, originally a supply vessel to the mining industry, has been skillfully modified into a manoeuverable, robust, and reliable icebreaker. Also, remarkably, she offers unparalleled comfort while venturing through the remote realms of Iceland and Greenland. Travellers can embark on a 70 ARTS & COLLECTIONS
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expedition through narrow ice-fjords, sail past majestic icebergs, and power through sea ice to uncover hidden treasures few have witnessed. Argus is arguably the ultimate platform for adventurous private charters, on adventures to Iceland, Greenland, Norway/ Svalbard, and the NW Passage, with plans to venture into Antarctic charters in future.
OPTIONS For adventurous souls, Argus offers an array of captivating activities to explore the breathtaking surroundings, including agile RIB boats which can traverse vast icefjords and get up close to icebergs; kayaks to glide through Greenland’s ice-fjords under expert guidance, and paddleboards which are easily mastered. On sea angling expeditions you can test your skills along Iceland’s coast - the onboard chef will gladly cook your fresh catch to perfection. Other adventure options include
sightseeing flights in the Argus’ helicopter, or heliskiing, with ski storage provided to ensure a tidy and comfortable cabin. Just in case, as safety and well-being are of utmost importance, there’s a dedicated Infirmary and trained personnel on board. In the comfortable cabins you can indulge in retro-wood interiors, spacious storage and comfortable fittings. The Argus Suite offers an elegant, retro-styled setting with a sitting lounge, desk, double bed, and a private bathroom, and there’s a fullyequipped gym, a hot tub and jet pool for the perfect way to unwind and marvel at the enchanting Northern Lights on dark nights. Whether it’s Argus in the Arctic or another adventure, Classic Charters can help you plan your fully bespoke trip from yacht, to guides and itinerary, to menus and wines to enjoy onboard. Or how about having a scientist join your trip, to get a unique insight into your natural environment no one else gets to see?
IMAGES © CLASSIC CHARTERS
If you want a change from the usual yachting holiday, try this ice sea expedition for an unparalleled experience
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HAVE TIMELESS GREAT ADVENTURES With over 20 years experience Classic Charters are here to help you discover the worlds finest luxury, crewed, classic yachts to plan your bespoke adventures and exploration charters around the world. We work with the worlds most extraordinary classic, modern, exploration, motor, and sailing yachts for charters, sales, and yacht management all over the world so whatever you need, get in touch and we will be glad to help you create memories that last a lifetime.
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TRAVEL // COLLECTIONS
ETERNAL IMAGES From New Zealand to Singapore, the world of luxury travel is full of Instagrammable destinations – but which do our experts think are the most memorable?
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stunning view is part of an unforgettable holiday, so choosing the right location for your trip is an essential element of making memories.
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Our travel experts have come up with 10 destinations you will never forget – particularly if you capture the amazing views in your social media feeds
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If you only know the scenery of New Zealand’s rugged North Island from movies The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, you aren’t prepared for the reality of these stunning vistas. Surrounded by bays and islands, with forests, volcanoes, mountains and beaches, capital city Auckland is known as “the City of Sails.” At the southern tip of the island is harbourside capital Wellington, home to the national museum, Te Papa.
SANTORINI, GREECE From its white sandy beaches, to the whitewashed stone walls, ancient temples and vibrant food and flowers, Santorini is perfect for making eternal memories at any time of year. One of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea, it was devastated by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC, forever shaping its rugged landscape. The whitewashed, cubiform houses of its principal towns, Fira and Oia, cling to cliffs above an underwater caldera, overlooking the sea, small islands to the west, and beaches made up of black, red and white lava pebbles.
IMAGES © Dreamstime
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NORTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND
HA LONG BAY, VIETNAM With its peaked islands covered in acres of lush rainforest, UNESCO World Heritage site Ha Long Bay is home to 32 species of mammal, including the world’s most endangered primate – the golden-headed langur. Hang Sung Sot Cave, known as the Cave of Surprises, is one of the most popular and largest caves in Ha Long Bay, one of thousands of fascinating limestone formations. ARTS & COLLECTIONS 73
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TRAVEL // COLLECTIONS
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LISBON, PORTUGAL Portugal’s hilly, coastal capital city, set on the mouth of the Tagus River, boasts scenes from imposing São Jorge Castle to the old city’s pastel-colored buildings and the Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge. Nearby, the National Azulejo Museum displays five centuries of decorative ceramic tiles, and just outside Lisbon is a string of beautiful Atlantic beaches, from Cascais to Estoril.
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AMALFI COAST, ITALY The Amalfi Coast is legendary for its colourful towns such as Atrani, with its traditional houses cascading down cliffs set against the shimmering Tyrrhenian Sea, hillside towns like Positano with its seaside views and pretty pebble beaches, the coastal road between the port city of Salerno and clifftop Sorrento which winds past grand villas, terraced vineyards and cliffside lemon groves, and Capri, the playground of the rich and famous with its stunning Blue Grotto.
5 BANFF, CANADA
IMAGES © Dreamstime
From the scenic peaks of Mount Rundle to the bright turquoise pools to bubbling hot springs, Banff is a tourist dream. The peaks of Mt. Rundle and Mt. Cascade, part of the Rocky Mountains, dominate its skyline, and on Banff Avenue, the main thoroughfare, boutiques and restaurants mix with château-style hotels and souvenir shops. The surrounding 6,500 square kilometres of parkland are home to wildlife including elk and grizzly bears. www.artsandcollections.com
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TOKYO, JAPAN The ancient shrines, contemporary art exhibits and vibrant neon-lit street scenes are just a few of the elements that make this busting modern city a traveller’s favourite. From exciting shopping destinations to traditional historical scenes such as the Asakusa Temple, everything about Tokyo cries out to be captured for posterity. ARTS & COLLECTIONS 75
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COLLECTIONS // TRAVEL
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BARBADOS, CARIBBEAN From the Caribbean side of the island where the waves lap gently at your feet and the sand is fine like sugar, to the Atlantic side where the waves are for surfers, the shores of Barbados are beautiful! Luxury villa Casablanca in Sandy Lane, St James, (casablancabarbados.com) offers stunning views of landscaped gardens, pools lined with pristine white loungers, an infinity pool and even a golf course, so your stay will be full of Instagrammable moments.
2 BORACAY, PHILIPPINES Boracay, often locally shortened to Bora, is a tiny resort island in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines, with a total land area of just 10.32 square kilometers. Its white sand beaches have made it one of the world’s top destinations for relaxation. In 2014, the resort island was at the top of the “Best Islands in the World” list published by the international magazine Condé Nast Traveler, and in 2016 it headed the magazine’s list of “Top 10 destinations to watch”.
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From the streets of Koon Seng Road, known for their colourful houses, to the iconic Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay, this tiny city-state off southern Malaysia is full of photo opportunities. From the vibrant kaleidoscope of street art in Haji Lane to the unique rolling exhibits in this hub of Asian art, Singapore will always be perfect for those stand-out images that really make your trip memorable.
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IMAGES © Dreamstime
SINGAPORE
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ESCAPE ESCAPE TO TO YOUR YOUR DREAM DREAM ISLAND ISLAND GETAWAY GETAWAY
Welcome to Long Bay Beach Resort in Welcome Welcome to to Long Long Bay Bay Beach Beach Resort Resort in in the British Virgin Islands. Nestled on the British Virgin Islands. Nestled on the British Virgin Islands. Nestled on the picturesque shore of Long Bay the the picturesque picturesque shore shore of of Long Long Bay Bay Beach, relax in nature and experience Beach, relax in nature and experience Beach, relax in nature and experience the laidback luxury of the Caribbean at the at the laidback laidback luxury luxury of of the the Caribbean Caribbean at this scenic hideaway. this this scenic scenic hideaway. hideaway.
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#longbaybvi #longbaybvi #longbaybvi 09/10/2023 16:11
COLLECTIONS // BOOKS
BOOK REVIEWS From an antique specialist’s autobiography to a globemaker’s tale, and a racing legend to a sci-fi history, we present our selection of must-read volumes for your coffee table or bookshelf
ART FIRSTS
Nick Trend I Laurence King Publishing, £16.99 I www.laurenceking.com Subtitled The Story of Art in 30 Pioneering Works, this treatise on creative leaps in art presents, so far as is known the first time an artist painted his self portrait, the first representation of a kiss or a smile, the first real place to be depicted, the first feminist artwork, and so on. A highly original approach to discussing and understanding some of the world’s most famous paintings, the book explains how and why these breakthroughs happened and makes links between, for example, the work of Giotto in the 1300s, and Banksy’s provocative 21st-century graffiti.
GEORGE CONDO: HUMANOIDS
Didier Otinger I NMNM/Flammarion, £35 I editions.flammarion.com For the first time in his own words, American artist George Condo reveals the genesis and significance of his distorted creations, and unveils previously unseen paintings created during the pandemic and the political turmoil in the United States. In George Condo’s own words, “the humanoid is not a science fiction monster, it is a form of representation that uses traditional means to bring out the inner emotions onto the surface of a person”. A George Condo retrospective opens at the Musée d’Art Moderne in Paris in autumn 2024, later travelling to the Royal Academy in London.
THE GLOBEMAKERS
This “curious story of an ancient craft” is by Peter Bellerby, worldrenowned globemaker and founder of artisan globemakers Bellerby & Co., the only truly bespoke makers of globes in the world. The story began after his failed attempt to find a special globe for his father’s 80th birthday, which led him on an extraordinary journey of rediscovering this forgotten craft. It’s described as ‘an inspirational story of a craftsman’s dogged pursuit for perfection … written with the intricacy of someone who can capture the fine details of our vast planet in something small enough to sit on your desk’, and is a beautifully illustrated story of handcrafted globes from their origin, as so-called ‘earth apples’, to the craftsmanship of modern workshops.
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Peter Bellerby I Bloomsbury Publishing, £22.50 I www.bloomsbury.com
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BOOKS // COLLECTIONS
FERRARI: FROM INSIDE AND OUTSIDE
Ed. James Allen I ACC Art Books, £60 I www.accartbooks.com Paying tribute to the most iconic Formula 1 racing team, this book is filled with many rarely seen photos from Formula 1’s most legendary photographers, Rainer Schlegelmilch and Ercole Colombo, who have covered the sport since the 1960’s, capturing stories of triumph and tragedy. There are contributions from iconic figures including Piero Ferrari, Luca di Montezemolo, Stefano Domenicali, Jean Todt and legendary designer Mauro Forghieri. The beautifully reproduced images capture the lived experience within Ferrari with startling clarity and a period-correct palette.
WORLDS BEYOND TIME: SCI-FI ART OF THE 1970S Adam Rowe I Abrams, £30 I www.abramsbooks.com
Despite its uninspiring text-heavy cover, this is a glorious treasury of science fiction images from the 1970s, a period when psychedelic designs gave way to detailed airbrush paintings of gigantic spaceships, alien landscapes, fantasy realms, and cryptozoology, represented here by the big name British artists - Chris Foss, Peter Elson, Chris Moore, Tim White - and American stars such as Vincent DiFate, Jack Gaughan and Virgil Finlay. Adam Rowe certainly knows his stuff – he curates the popular, multi-platform 70s Sci-Fi Art feed.
A TOUCH OF GOLD
Geoffrey Munn I ACC Art Books, £25 I accartbooks.com In this colourful and witty narrative, Geoffrey Munn, OBE, MVO, FSA, FLS, best known as a presenter on BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, reflects on his career in the London art world, spanning over 50 years. From encounters with HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and HRH Princess Margaret, to other luminaries such as Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Joanna Lumley, Stephen Fry, and Vivienne Westwood. Munn, now director of royal jeweller Wartski’s, conveys what he describes as “a little of the kaleidoscopic excitement that coloured almost every day of my life.”
BRILLIANT DESTINY
David Boyd Haycock I Lund Humphries, £29.99 I www.lundhumphries.com
IMAGES © ACC ART BOOKS, ABRAMS< LUND HUMPHRIES
Coinciding with an exhibition on his sister Gwen John at Pallant House Gallery, Chichester from May to October 2023, this is a major reassessment of Augustus John, an artist whose influence has been neglected for decades. Considered by John Singer Sargent to be the best British draughtsman since the Renaissance, Augustus John was the first of the British ‘Post-Impressionists’. Handsome, unconventional and full of brilliant promise and Bohemian spirit, John was the man almost every young British art student wanted to emulate. His circle included his sister Gwen John and future wife Ida Nettleship, and his friends William Orpen, Ambrose McEvoy, Spencer Gore and Percy Wyndham Lewis. www.artsandcollections.com
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COLLECTIONS // WHERE TO SPEND IT
Where to
SPEND IT
MOTORSPORT LEGACY Strom Watches celebrates the racing legacy of four nations with its VENTUS I GMT – 4 NATIONS series, inspired by the iconic colours related to Italy, France, Germany and Britain. Rosso Corsa (Racing Red) represents the vibrant red hue seen on Italian race cars including Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Lancia and Ferrari; Bleu de France (French Racing Blue) pays homage to France, the birthplace of motorsport; British Racing Green (BRG) derives its name from the green international racing colour of the United Kingdom, and Silberpfeil (Silver Arrow) refers to the silver German racing cars of the 1930’s. Prices are from 16,000 CHF (around £13,333). www.stromwatches.com 80 ARTS & COLLECTIONS
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SUPERB SHOELACES Could it be that the one thing your life is missing is a luxury shoelace? Designer Christopher Augmon introduced the CA Lace Luxury Shoelace Collection ahead of New York Fashion Week 2023. The collection of over 20 luxury laces includes exotic Skins, Italian leathers, and African artisan printed cotton styles. The designer conceived the collection as a fundraising vehicle under a campaign entitled “Lace up the city with inspiration,” with 18 percent of proceeds from each sale benefitting Equality Dream Team, a non-profit educational foundation. Prices vary by style, ranging from $75-$375 USD. www.augmon.com
3 SLEEK SAILOR British luxury boatbuilder Fairline has revealed images of its all-new model the Targa 40, which will make its world debut at Boot Düsseldorf 2024. Embracing a bold exterior design direction, with a modern bluff-bow hull, and a contemporary and stylish interior, the Targa 40 delivers a sophisticated and modern yet sporty style sure to delight every owner. The Targa 40 has an open cockpit design with a hardtop and electric canvas sunroof, opening the whole main deck. Owners will have the choice of either a Volvo Penta D6-340s or D6-380s engine, which Fairline expects to deliver top speeds of 32 knots and 36 knots respectively. www.fairline.com
IMAGES © STROM WATCHES, AUGMON, FAIRLINE
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From a racing watch to a super yacht and stunning speakers to splendid bags, we present some of the most desirable luxury collectables and technological marvels for you to buy and treasure
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PARADISE IN PYJAMAS Designer Carrie Neely’s Paradise Lost collection for Myrtle & Mary features unisex apparel available in two colourways, adaptable for day or night, including streetwear, silk pyjamas and luxury leather goods. Hero products include the otherworldly, natural, non-slip base Yoga Mat (£145.00); the perfect silk Paradise Lost “Day” Kimono (£295.00); the matching “Day” Silk Pyjama Trousers (£205.00); “Day” Unisex tracksuit Top (£195.00); “Night” Silk Slip Dress (£275.00); and the “Day” Cross Body Clutch Handbag (£375.00). Available from the London store in Walton Street and online. www.myrtleandmary.com
BAG FOR LIFE Tusting’s Como Explorer range of bags are made in classic linen-cotton canvas created in a premium mill close to Lake Como. The beautifully soft fabric is a touch softer and lighter than Tusting’s all-cotton canvas; it carries a tan thread in the weave, giving a slightly speckled grain which is complimented beautifully by the strong, fully veg-tanned leather, chosen for its long-lasting strength and ever-improving character. With a colourway as evocative of luxury travel as the Grand Tour itself, the range includes three sizes of holdall with prices starting from £510, with options for personalisation. www.tusting.co.uk
IMAGES © MYRTLE & MARY, TUSTING, WILLIAM GRANT & SONS, WILSON AUDIO
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WHERE TO SPEND IT // COLLECTIONS
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TOWER OF POWER With its own distinctive identity, the Sasha V speaker combines the essence of its predecessors while combining the most effective elements developed for its larger Wilson Audio siblings the Chronosonic XVX and Alexx V. Its cutting-edge rear-wave chamber in the Convergent Synergy Carbon (CSC) Tweeter allows for an extended high-frequency range, remarkably smooth linearity, and superior high-frequency harmonic expression. Cohesively integrating this CSC tweeter with the midrange and woofers has resulted in an impressive improvement to Sasha V’s overall sound quality. The Wilson Audio Sasha V is now available to order, at a UK RRP of £53,998 per pair. www.absolutesounds.com
TASTE OF THE ‘60S From the ultra-rare reserves of William Grant & Sons comes the highly anticipated Ladyburn Edition Three, the third and final release of the Ladyburn 1966 foundation triptych. This edition celebrates the work of pioneering and disruptive interior designer David Hicks. It’s an exceptionally complex whisky, reflecting over five and a half decades maturing in a single sherry butt at the Ladyburn distillery in Girvan, Ayrshire. Strictly limited to 210 hand numbered bottles, Ladyburn Edition Three will be available from September 2023 to William Grant & Sons private clients across the globe. www.williamgrant.com ARTS & COLLECTIONS 81
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ARTS // PHOTOGRAPHY
An Eye for
COLOUR
Galerie Buchkunst Berlin is presenting the new exhibition All Around the World - Unseen Colour & Early Black-and-White, with photographs by the legendary Magnum photographer Thomas Hoepker the rules of photojournalism, describe through their multitude and artistic quality an independent view of the development of the world, and serve as corresponding contemporary witnesses in an abstract manner. As a further highlight of the exhibition, a selection of black-and-white photographs, taken in Italy between 1956 and 1959 and among the photographer’s earliest series, will be presented in the Galerie Buchkunst Berlin to mark the publication of the photo book THOMAS HOEPKER - ITALIA. www.buchkunst-berlin.de Right: Chinatown Neujahrsfest, 1977 Below: Love Birds, Rome, Italy, 1956, Both copyright Thomas Hoepker/Magnum Photos, courtesy Buchkunst Berlin
IMAGES © THOMAS HOEPKER/MAGNUM PHOTOS, COURTESY BUCHKUNST BERLIN
T
homas Hoepker’s numerous unpublished early works, which are now being shown for the first time, were taken in Rio, Hong Kong, New York, Naples, and Paris. More than a decade before the term ‘New Colour’ entered the history of photography, Thomas Hopker was already photographing with Kodachrome and Ektachrome slide film in Southeast Asia, Africa, South America, and many countries in Europe. Hoepker (born 1936 in Munich) worked regularly from 1959 as a commissioned photographer for magazines and book publications. In 1974 he went to East Berlin as the first accredited photographer for Stern, where he temporarily worked as art director. In 1989, Hoepker was the first German photographer to become a full member of the Magnum Photos agency, which he headed as president from 2003 to 2007. Thomas Hoepker’s work has been presented in numerous solo and group exhibitions worldwide. His world-famous portraits of Muhammad Ali are part of numerous book publications. Hoepker now lives and works in New York.
PHOTOJOURNALISM In extensive bundles of unpublished slide films that Thomas Hoepker took around the world from 1959 onwards, there are many shots in which colour represents an extended and dominant element of the pictorial composition, and takes on the role of narrative. Hoepker was usually on the go with two Leica cameras: one for black-andwhite, the other for colour. The early colour photographs, which often defy 82 ARTS & COLLECTIONS
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www.artsandcollections.com
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RETROSPECTIVE HELMUT NEWTON FOUNDATION | MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY | 03/06 - 19/11/23 JEBENSSTRASSE 2, 10623 BERLIN | TUE, WED, FRI, SAT, SUN 11 - 7, THU 11 - 8
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Alice Springs, Charlotte Rampling, Paris 1982, © Helmut Newton Foundation
ALICE SPRINGS
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