?Portrait of a Young Woman? by Picasso. A 1946 signed lithograph of a 1938 work
In times like these where interest rates are next to nought, it is a thankless task trying to accrue interest from money sat in bank accounts.?
Art, like property, has always been highly regarded as a far greater prospect to invest your money in.?Time and again this has been proven in the London Art Market and it is always an eye opener to see which art is going to be suddenly reassessed to become the next big thing.
I can remember when I visited Sotheby?s in 1995 during the last recession, Modern British art was going through the doldrums and the work of several big name artists could be picked up very reasonably at auction. John Bratby (1928-1992) one time Blackheath resident is a case in point. A prolific ?kitchen sink? artist, noted for depicting such humble domestic subjects as well as lavatories, he courted the press in his day and was as notorious a figure in the 50?s as Damien Hirst or Tracey Emin is today. I saw paintings by him sell under the hammer for a few hundred pounds, including a cracking self portrait I wish in hindsight I had bought when I had the opportunity.
Alex C. Koolman, RP, RBA, (1907 ? 1998). Portrait George Harrison 1970
Charles Saatchi then surprised the art world by buying three very large works from the late 50?s by Bratby from a London dealer in 2003 to display in a dedicated room in his then new County Hall Gallery. This caused something of a ripple effect in the revision of Bratby?s reputation and prices, which had taken a knock since the 1960?s invasion of the American Abstract Expressionists and the new wave of British Pop Art.?Now his work can sell for anywhere between five to fifty thousand pounds plus from London dealers.
My experience in dealing in fine art and antiques for over twenty years has led me to some wonderful finds. On leaving school I went into the family business, The Mount Antiques in Whitby, Yorkshire, where I learnt the art of buying from my mother as I accompanied her to auctions and house calls.?She trained as a textile designer and had a great eye for decorative art and antiques, building an international reputation over twenty years for her emporium on the north east coast.?I then went to college to study both art practice and the history of art.
a view from my studio of Hilly Fields, Brockley
When I came to London I joined Harrods Antiques and Fine Art Department for several years and went on to work as an art consultant in contemporary art to GX Gallery in Camberwell. I have continued to exhibit my own work in London and open my studio each year in Brockley since moving there.
Sunday Art Salon is the latest idea in urban leisure art consumption. It places the emphasis on real social networking, as a platform for meeting like minded professionals and collectors looking for unique stylish statement pieces to enhance their living space and for long term investment.
It creates a stimulating, friendly environment for the public and creatives to meet and engage with a wide range of artist practitioners. Guests have the opportunity of purchasing and talking about artwork with the artists and curator in the setting of a private studio with extensive views across Hilly Fields in Brockley.
Following the opening up of south London in 2010 by the extension of the Overground tube, affectionally nicknamed the ?Ginger line?, places like Brockley and Forest Hill are now on the map as areas of artistic enterprises, with Deptford and Peckham as neighbours, it creates part of a new trend of artistic networks where small galleries and open studios are tailoring themselves to a resurgence in community spirit and awareness.
Whilst the artist?s of the Brockley Open Studios have been quietly opening their doors in their leafy Conservation Area one weekend per summer for twenty years, new initiatives like the South London Art Map have a strong online presence which operates as a listings site, promoting exhibitions in art spaces open late on the last Friday of each month. Undoubtedly as part of the recession and in line with the growing number of markets, both farmers food and craft based, the public are enjoying and demanding something of a renaissance in rediscovering small local trade and commercial premises.
Charles Saatchi and Nigella Lawson visit Canvas and Cream
The Canvas & Cream Cafe and Gallery in Forest Hill is a family-run social enterprise where locals got together with friends and family from their neighbourhood to develop this collaborative project. It comprises artists studios, an artists-designed up cycled restaurant/cafe and a dedicated gallery/project space with art workshop.
It was here where artist Raf Zawistowski?s solo debut show was bought outright by Charles Saatchi before the show even opened in April this year. Proving that once Saatchi has dared to brave this far into London?s south east hinterland, sealing his approval by purchasing art, it can truly be said to have ?arrived?.
Raf Zawistowski?s solo debut show was bought outright by Saatchi
The Misty Moon Gallery in Ladywell, previously the Tank Gallery, originally an 17th?century coaching house behind the Ladywell Tavern, is operated by another artists collective and now caters as an accessible platform for the work of local and international artists, as does Cue B Gallery at the rear of the Brockley Mess cafe on Brockley Road.
The White Room SE4, is the new home of modern women?s wear label, NC23 by a local designer keen to encourage networking and collaboration in the boutique/studio/workshop also on Brockley Road. They plan to offer workshops in sewing, pattern cutting, tailoring and drawing, the first of which is Make a Swing Skirt in 3 hours. This couldn?t be more fitting flanked as it is by a resurgence of vintage style coffee shops selling cupcakes in the area.
Not to mention the unique Grade II Listed Rivoli Ballroom next door, regular home of hipster jivers, where Florence + the Machine just played live in her?BBC Radio 2 concert,?while the White Room held its late night opening party.
Sunday Art Salon
Sunday Art Salon launches its first exclusive Winter Collection on Sunday 2nd December 11am ? 3pm with a wonderful array of bold contemporary art and a unique collection of vintage art and collectables, including important portraits of Charles I, George Harrison and a signed portrait print by Picasso. We hope there will be something for everyone. Artwork can be viewed by appointment at other times to suit busy lifestyles.
Sunday Art Salon -?Hilly Fields Studio, 12 Montague Avenue, London SE4 1YP.
Sunday 2nd?December 11am ? 3pm. Coffee station and edible art.
Further information visit:?www.sundayartsalon.co.uk? or email info@sundayartsalon.co.uk
(stairs so with regret no disabled/pushchair access and no stilettos as wooden floors)
Source: http://dulwichonview.org.uk/2012/11/27/launch-of-sunday-art-salon-south-east-londons-latest-art-adventure/
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