Masterpiece London in Hong Kong: the art and antiques fair that wants to broaden horizons
- The decade-old show wants to encourage everyone from connoisseurs to casual browsers to explore various disciplines
- Despite a scaling back due to the recent protests in Hong Kong, organisers are hoping to provide a taste of the diversity exhibited at the London show
Masterpiece London – an art and antiques fair traditionally aimed squarely at the international rich – has undergone something of a transformation in recent years.
While the decade-old show’s original premise of mixing classical and impressionist art with contemporary pieces continues, items such as furniture and design that had previously made up a hefty proportion of the fair have been largely replaced with antiques and jewellery. The numerous categories are exhibited side by side to encourage everyone from connoisseurs to casual browsers to explore various disciplines.
“I think our fair has done rather well for a number of reasons,” says Masterpiece London chairman Philip Hewat-Jaboor. “It is a treasure trove – or some could even say a Pandora’s box – that opens up this world to so many new people.
“It’s important for us to ensure it is put together in a seamless way, without barriers. We encourage our exhibitors not to put things behind glass, and we always include price on, as people are often intimidated if there isn’t one – which is a shame, as a number of exhibits are relatively affordable. We also map out the [fair] very carefully, so it is easy to explore disciplines you wouldn’t usually seek out.”
The recipe has served them well – so well that next month, Hewat-Jaboor and Masterpiece managing director Lucie Kitchener will be taking London’s most luxurious fair to Hong Kong. The Masterpiece Pavilion will launch as part of Fine Art Asia 2019, which will take place from October 4 to 7 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai.