United Kingdom – High End Weekly™

Royal Baby Born: It’s A Boy!

Iconic Masterpieces Set To Debut at London’s Most Anticipated Antiques Fair

Queen Elizabeth II & The Duke of Edinburgh, Windsor Castle, 2011

C Print Framed, Edition of 6 (4/6) from Thomas Struth

Masterpiece London 2013 and Ivor Braka Ltd are presenting a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II & The Duke of Edinburgh by distinguished photographer Thomas Struth. The large-scale portrait was commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee and formed part of The Queen: Art and Image exhibition showing landmark images of the Queen throughout her sixty year reign. The work shows The Queen and Prince Philip seated together in the Green Drawing Room at Windsor Castle and was taken on 7 April 2011. Exhibited by International art dealer and collector Ivor Braka, the spectacular image will be on display throughout the fair and will present an excellent opportunity for collectors and visitors alike to view the impressive photograph.

‘The strength of the market for iconic masterpieces was clearly demonstrated in the New York auctions last week, when two works by Roy Lichtenstein, reached new heights and one achieved a world record for the artist at auction. The astounding prices reached for these works show the strong desire amongst collectors to acquire masterworks. Continuing from this, Masterpiece London is delighted that Geoffrey Diner Gallery has chosen our fair and London to unveil this fresh and rare work by Roy Lichtenstein’

Nazy Vassegh, CEO of Masterpiece London

Nazy Vassegh, CEO ‘We are thrilled that Ivor Braka Ltd has kindly agreed to show this wonderful work at Masterpiece fair this year, further strengthening the event’s appeal to all collectors, from antiquities through to the very best in contemporary art.” His engagement with photography dates from 1976. Working at first in black and white and subsequently in color, Struth’s mature style is characterised by formal precision and an approach that is essentially straightforward, avoiding narrative or artificial effects. His principal motifs include buildings, street scenes, visitors to churches and museums, landscapes, nature studies and portraits. He recently had a major touring retrospective in the USA which travelled to venues including the Dallas Museum of Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

Roy Lichtenstein (1923-1997) ‘Puzzle Portrait’, 1978,

Oil and magna on canvas

Geoffrey Diner Gallery (Washington DC) will unveil a highly important work by Roy Lichtenstein (1923-1997), at Masterpiece London this June. ‘Puzzle portrait’ painted in 1978 in oil and magna on canvas. The picture was purchased directly from Roy Lichtenstein in 1983 and will be sold together with two hand signed letters from the artist to the collector detailing the sale and its inclusion in one touring exhibition in 1983. The painting will be offered for sale by Geoffrey Diner Stand B29.

In parallel to Lichtenstein’s work inspired by Pop culture, he began incorporating styles from artists of the past. Specific examples of his work engage with historical styles and parodies including impressionism, futurism and surrealism as well as individual paintings by artists such as Picasso. Elements of Picasso and cubism are evident in ‘Puzzle portrait’, heralding Lichtenstein’s fascination with subject: art about art.

‘A lot of people think that the 60’s are the benchmark for Lichtenstein’s work, as this is when he established his Pop Art signature style and when he replicated the Ben Day Dot system. But during the 70’s he delivered works referring back to art history which led to his major series of Surrealist-Pop paintings. ‘Puzzle portrait’ has never been on the market before, and as a follow up to the Tate Modern retrospective exhibition of Lichtenstein’s work, we look forward to offering London an unseen Lichtenstein for sale at Masterpiece,’ Geoffrey Diner, Director at Geoffrey Diner Gallery.

NOTE: Masterpiece London is open to the public on June 27th to July 3rd.

Top Designers & Members of The Press Gathered Together in NYC to Kick-off Masterpiece London

Thomas Woodham-Smith, Mario Buatta, Susan Gutfreund, Geoffrey Bradfield, Audrey Gruss, Ellie Cullman, Philip Hewat-Jaboor, Nazy Vassegh, Nicola Winwood, Jamie Drake

This was the second year that the American Patrons for Masterpiece London held their New York kick-off to announce plans for Masterpiece London, which opens with a preview on June 26 and runs through July 3 at the South Grounds of The Royal Hospital Chelsea. This year Ellie Cullman hosted the reception at her magnificent apartment.

Lynne Westcott, Geoffrey Bradfield

Philip Hewat-Jaboor, Sandra Nunnerley

Alex Shuman, Jeffery Bilhuber

Philip Hewat-Jaboor, Nazy Vassegh, Nicola Winwood, Thomas Woodham-Smith

Timothy Van Dam, Ron Wagner

Rod_Keenan

Jennifer Ceasar

Thomas Woodham-Smith, Bennett Weinstock, Michael_Simon

Henry_Neville

Greg Kwiat, Dana Kiyomura

Christina Murphy, Nina Carbone

Maureen Footer, Daniel Hamparsumyan

Richard Dragisic, William Brockschmidt, Tom Scheerer

Bruce Bierman, William Secord, Audrey Gruss

Constantino Castellano, Christopher Hyland, Geoffrey Bradfield, KyleMarshall

Photos Credited to Annie Watt

Guest Post: Sitting Pretty on Charles Eames Top Chairs

Written by Rebecca Jones

Charles Eames was an American designer who helped change the face of 20th century, modern furniture design with his extensive portfolio of work. His enduring pieces are a stunning marriage of comfort and functionality. Charles Eames furniture has remained at the forefront of modern furniture design, influencing numerous subsequent and contemporary designers.

Ergonomic Paradise

With the ever-increasing hours we seem to work in the Western world, it is essential that we look after our weary skeletons to ensure that all our hard work is not futile and we can live long, happy lives. Enough of the corny stuff, in all seriousness though, investing in a well-made, ergonomic chair is the best measure to protect your back and promote optimum spinal health.

Office Group Chair EA219 Gold Edition

Charles Eames was a pioneering force in the furniture design world. His innovative vision and exciting designs lead him to create a number of pieces for an office environment including the Office Aluminium Group Chair EA119 Mesh. This is a task chair which is designed with the intention of being used at a desk. This chair is exceptionally comfortable due to the mesh panels and is also adjustable which further enhances the comfort factor and has a swivel functionality enabling the user to move 360 degrees.

Office Soft Pad Group Chair EA219

The original intention for this piece was for outdoor use, hence the mesh fabric as it is hard-wearing, durable and immensely functional. The original mesh design was quickly discontinued and black leather took over as the material of choice. In 1969, the chair was further updated and a soft, padded version with cushions was created.

Office Aluminium Group Chair EA117 Gold Edition

This chair has an exceptionally sturdy aluminium framework and is arguably one of the first executive chairs. It is also light, versatile and the design enables the chair to adapt to the sitter’s body which makes for maximum comfort. The high back also guarantees that your back is perfectly supported. Since it’s creation, this piece has become an office essential.

Child’s Play

Inject a new lease of life into your home with the Eames RSR Rocking Chair. This Chair will ensure you release your inner child. This piece is made from plastic which means its durable and can withstand daily wear and tear. Available in a number of vibrant colours, this piece is true to Eames form blending comfort with functionality. It is the re-edition of the now legendary Eames Chair is based on the original 1948 design which the first industrially-manufactured plastic chair. It is also available in fibreglass, another lightweight, robust and unyielding material.

RAR Rocking Chair (Fibreglass)

A rocking chair is also an exciting addition to any interior and will look fantastic in a modern or more traditional decor scheme.

Bachelor Chic

This Charles Eames Lounge Chair from SwivelUK is the ultimate addition to any bachelor pad. Not only does this piece ooze luxury and sophistication, it is now considered a timeless classic in the history of modern furniture. This stunning feat of exquisite design and engineering features a bent rosewood frame and aluminium base, with chunky cushions made from the finest Italian leather. Originally designed in 1956, this piece has become a staple for the funkiest bachelor pads around and is not only stylish but exceedingly comfortable. For the perfect finishing touch to your abode the matching Ottoman is a welcomed addition featuring the same design and materials to ensure a slick, polished and ultra refined look.

Lounge Chair and Ottoman, Black Powder Coating

All images in this article are courtesy of SwivelUK

Author Bio: Rebecca is an avid writer and interior design aficionado. She frequently writes about her interests. Rebecca resides in the United Kingdom

Shopping In London For A Spring Wedding!

Ladurée Cakes

Burlington Arcade: London’s Ultimate Shopping Destination

This post is dedicated to our London readers, and all the fashionable crowd, who wish to shop at one of England’s chicest address – Burlington Arcade. Whether it is planning your wedding list, selecting your engagement ring or buying a present for hte bridal party, Burligton Arcade, Britain’s first shopping arcade, has the answer. I like the fact that it’s away from the mainstream, and elegant brides and grooms, and anyone who is shopping for a posh and special wedding, can see bespoke pieces to match British boutique wedding – something which the Burlington Arcade offers with unrivalled aplom!

Mark Lord, the head Beadle at the Burlington Arcade comments: ‘The Burlington Arcade is an un-rivalled destination for both UK and international consumers looking for a truly bespoke wedding experience. From the ring room at Richard Ogden to the tranquil perfume profiling room at Penhaligon’s, the enclosed arcade is an oasis away from the busy streets of London. It takes time to decide who you want to marry, do that decision justice by taking the time to get the attire right for your big day. I certainly did, I bought my wife’s engagement ring at the arcade. I see many couples visit the Arcade and each couple has a memorable British experience. It doesn’t get better than that.’

33″ Extra Deep Suitcase with wheels from Globe-Trotter

Bluebell Eau de Toilette Spray

Eye-catching engagement at Susannah Lovis

Dragées Ladurée

Scroll Art Deco Feather Hair Piece

Deep Suitcase … with wheels!

Romantic and captivating Endymion from Penhaligons

Crockett & Jones

Burlington Arcade, UK

Get the Look: Celebrities Wearing Pearl Jewelry

Natalie Portman in Audrey Hepburn mode

Photo via Harper’s Bazaar

Written by Rebecca Jones

Pearl jewellery has a certain allure and charm which has ensured that it has remained a timeless classic and firm favourite in our jewellery boxes. From Tinseltown to Buckingham Palace as well as the White House to the red carpet, celebrities, royalty and public figures alike have all been seen sporting these lustrous beauties.

For a classic look, make like Scarlett Johansson and opt for a simple choker made from Akoya pearls. These pearls have been hugely popular since the 1920s when they first came on to the European jewellery scene, having originated within the cold waters off the coast of Japan. These exquisite pearls are renowned for their faultless, round shape and high quality lustre. An Akoya pearl necklace of this length will sit elegantly and comfortably below the collarbone, creating a stylish and timeless look. Due to it’s highly versatile nature, this necklace is perfect for everyday wear or to a formal occasion.

Carolee Pearl Rope Necklace from Bloomingdale’s

Alternatively, take a tip from America’s first lady and wear a pearl necklace doubled up to create a chunkier, choker look. To achieve this look, which is evocative of 1920s style and glamour, choose a long white Freshwater Pearl Rope Necklace from Winterson and double loop it around the neck. This will create a stunning look, perfect for formal evening affairs. Twin your pearl necklace with a strapless, black, floor-length dress and long satin black gloves for true elegance and sophistication.

Gold South Sea Pearl Necklace with Pave Diamonds & Yellow Gold

Winterson

For a simple, refined yet immensely stylish look, stud pearl earrings are a great choice.

These eye-catching, lustrous beauties will last a lifetime, never losing their allure and charm. Olivia Palermo nails this look with her hair neatly swept off her face in a bun, enabling her pearl earrings to take centre stage. Stud pearl earrings from Winterson are not only eye-catching but are also easy to wear, injecting a touch of understated glamour into your look. Perfect for everyday wear as well as more formal, evening dos.

Angelina Jolie, Kelly Rowland

First Lady Michelle Obama

Multi-coloured Tahitian Pearl Necklace with 18ct White Gold Ring Clasp

Winterson

Bride wearing pearls

Luna Rose Tahitian Pearl Ring

Winterson

Ferragamo Necklace

Californian Blogger, Emily Schuman

Photo via She Knows.com

Legendary Luxury Hotels to Fall in Love With

Hôtel Metropole Monte-Carlo

The Suite Life

Visit our Top 7 choices of the most glamorous places to stay this holiday season.

Signature Suite at Hôtel Metropole

The Bentley suite at the St. Regis Hotel in New York City

Bentley theme suite, St Regis, NY

The newly renovated Hotel Jerome, in Aspen Colorado has never looked better

English elegance at the Madarin Oriental, London

The Mandarin Oriental, London

Laurence of Morroco, Tangier

The lure and excitement of being in Tangier rises to the top at the Laurence of Morroco Hotel

One of the few places where great fashion ideas took shape: The Coco Chanel Suite at The Ritz, Paris

The Elton John Suite at The Ritz Hotel, Paris

NOTE: Please notify us directly, if you believe that certain images on this post are alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Thank you.

Contemplating the Genius of Place & The Places of Geniuses

Midlands, England

Written by Nan Quick

After our marathon visit to Liverpool, prudence dictated that we sleep until respectably late hours, and then spend the remainder of Friday a bit closer to home. We gathered at Anne and David’s, and inspected Anne’s exquisite back garden (all photos of which were taken by Anne)……and then proceeded to Julia and Roger Aldridge’s for tea, where Julia and her cats Tim and Henry gave us a tour of her yard (photos of which are also Anne’s).

As you can see, my British friends make sublime gardens!

Our plan for the afternoon was a visit to the ruins at Witley Court,Great Witley, Worcestershire. Inevitably, since the buildings we’d be

wandering through are roof-less, the skies, which had been reticent all morning, finally unleashed drenching rains: the afternoon would be soggy.

Rather than rewrite what has already been well-stated, I quote from the English Heritage guidebook, “Witley Court” :

“Once one of England’s great country houses, Witley Court was largely gutted by fire in 1937. The owner, Sir Herbert Smith, decided not to rebuild, but to put the estate up for sale. Witley was never lived in again and was subsequently stripped and abandoned. Yet, as a ruin, it remains deeply evocative. Today it offers a rare opportunity to see the bones of a mansion that has grown over the centuries, from a substantial Jacobean house, based upon a medieval manor house, through expansion under the first Baron Foley and his son in the 1720’s and 1730’s to the addition of two massive porticos by Regency architect John Nash. It finally reached its peak of grandeur in the 1850’s with the extensive remodeling commissioned by the first earl of Dudley from the architect

Samuel Daukes. Lord Dudley’s immense wealth, generated largely by his industrial enterprises in the West Midlands, enabled his family to live an extraordinarily opulent life. It also funded the creation of an ornate formal garden at Witley designed by William Andrews Nesfield, the leading garden designer of his day. An army of servants was involved in servicing the property and family, further swollen during the lavish house parties attended by the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) and his circle.”

Witley Court in its heyday

Today’s ruins and restored gardens

We first popped inside the Witley Parish Church, a still-functioning place of worship that’s attached to the manor house ruins. The Church is a rarity in England: the baroque style of its interior is more typical of Italy and southern Germany.

A fine Rococo Interior

Leaving the Church, we approached the magnificent ruins

Ruins of Manor House to the left; Parish Church to the right

Archway leading to the West Wing

The Conservatory, also known as The Orangery, was one of the largest in England. AG

South Parterre Gazebo. AG

Fountain in ACTION. Perseus and his winged steed Pegasus are riding to Andromeda’s rescue. Sea monsters snap at their heels, but the hero and his lady fly off, in a spray of water! How’s THAT for watery entertainment. The fountains are activated, once every hour, and run for 20 minutes. AG

A Dog-Walker’s Paradise. AG

Anne and Janet strolling by Cupid, who is riding a dolphin

These photos of Witley’s ruins say it all: rarely have I been to a place that so exemplifies
the concept of sweet melancholy.

Written by Nan Quick

Vogue Puts on the Ritz

Vogue’s Fashion Night Out with the ‘The Burlesque Beadles’

Vogue Fashion Night Out was an alluring spectacle that came with a circus and burlesque theme, show girls, blindfolded acrobatics, chameleon’s and snakes – not to mention an exciting crowds and the shopping! Our UK contributor David Stocker, was there to capture the unforgettable evening inside the Burlington Arcade – an epitome of luxury from its discreet location set back from the packed thoroughfares of the capital, where visitors can enjoy impeccable service and unparalleled specialist knowledge, and uncover rare examples of some of the world’s finest accessories.

Pictured: David Linley, English furniture maker and chairman of the auction house Christie’s UK and Theo Fennell, exclusive jeweler to the stars, with a Burlington Beadle

During VFNO, Popcorn and candyfloss, from fairground-style carnivalesque machines was served by performers dressed in costumes by Prangsta and two chocolate fountains, perched upon glowing tables and served with an assortment of fruit and sweets, were positioned at opposite ends of the Arcade. The fashionable crowds gathered together to celebrate this joyous occasion, among them were: Hugo Taylor, Natalie Joel and Frances Boulle from Made in Chelsea, Corrie Neilson and her models, Theo Fennell, Sophie Anderton, Olly Murray (Nickelodeon presenter), and Vince Kidd.