The Datebook datebook_summer18_digital_ARTWORK | Page 18

By Richard Fitzwilliams
BADA 2018 DUKE OF YORK’S SQUARE
gargoyles from Beedham
Antiques Ltd gazed across the
aisle at a majestic Persian
tribal rug from Gallery Yacou.
There was a huge variety of
paintings and I was particularly
struck by the number of
portraits. If purchased, these
would presumably be passed
off as family but most seemed
to me profoundly unflattering
and not the sort of ancestors
you would really want to
advertise! With exceptions,
such as Mirror Image by John
Monks, a large and wonderfully
colourful contemporary work
created with a palette knife
which dominated the Long &
Ryle Stand, many of the
paintings were somewhat
underwhelming.
Large gold firework pendant by Van Cleef & Arpels
French, Circa 1970’s. Courtesy of Anthea A G Antiques Ltd.
© Anthea A G Antiques Ltd.
T
his exhibition marked the
centenary of this world-
famous art and antiques fair
which featured displays in
over 100 stalls. Its Charity
Partner was Children in
Crisis which provides
education, care, support and
protection for children in
areas affected by conflict.
in paintings, engravings and in
statuary such as the exquisite
examples in the Laura
Bordignon Stand. There were
delightfully incongruous
pairings, a pair of stone
The champagne certainly
flowed and the Taittinger Bar
was much in demand. The
preview was, as always, a
popular event and yet was
never overcrowded. Kakiemon ‘Hampton Court’ jar and
cover formerly belonging to His
Grace the Duke of Marlborough,
Blenheim Palace. Japanese
Circa 1670-1690, 37.8 cm
Courtesy of Gibson Antiques
© Gibson Antiques.
A large number of the objects,
many of them priceless, have
fascinating histories. To wander
from stand to stand is like
going on a journey through
time while surveying some of
the marvels which have been created with such skill. On the
occasion of its centenary,
BADA can proudly boast of a
reputation for excellence which
is internationally recognised
and it is a magnet for admirers
of fine craftsmanship.
The decorations this year were
a departure from the norm,
multicoloured plastic panels in
the shape of fountains were
installed at intervals where
seating was provided and
specially designed stands
showcased a variety of works
from individual exhibitors in
“contemporary living spaces”.
However when celebrating a
centenary I think sculptures,
floral displays and real
fountains would have made far
more of an impact.
The stalls displayed examples
of artefacts in pristine condition
as they always have. Those in
search of beauty invariably find
something here to enrich their
lives. I noticed a large number
of exhibits which featured the
natural world, especially birds,
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THE LONDON & UK DATEBOOK
George III lacquered and brass-mounted black and gilt lacquer, japanned serpentine commode, attributed to Pierre
Langlois. English Circa 1765-1770, 83 x 141.5 x 67cm Courtesy of Godson & Coles © Godson & Coles.