Five of the Best: Highlights of Masterpiece

Spectacular items, art and objects at Masterpiece 2015

 

Britain’s greatest showcase of art, antiques and unusual objects opens today and runs until Wednesday 1^st July in the South Grounds of The Royal Hospital Chelsea. Today, we feature five of the best exhibits on display:

 

The Dodge Clock – Siegelson, Stand B3 – £1.1 million ($1.75 million or €1.6 million)

A magnificent Art Deco ‘Mystery Clock’ made by Maurice Coüet for Cartier circa 1920, ‘The Dodge Clock’ is made of citrine, ebonite, diamond and enamel. It formed part of the collection of Anna Thomson Dodge (1871 – 1970), wife of Horace E. Dodge, co-founder of the Dodge Brothers Company. She was one of the richest women in the world at the time of her death and this clock is described as being “testament to the time in which it was made and the connoisseurship of the person who owned it”.

 

Bear’s Head – Galerie Dumonteil, Stand C28 – £85,000 ($133,000 or €120,000)

Carved in alabaster by Jean-Marie Fiori, this unique bear’s head measures 35cm by 50cm by 40cm. Its texture and detailing are spectacular and it will delight any fan of polar bears.

 

Barrels of Money – Collisart, LLC, Stand A31 – POA

Painted by the banker turned thief turned artist Victor Dubreuil, whose News of All the World canvas we featured last year, this oil on canvas has been signed twice by the artist and was painted between 1886 and circa 1900. Considered an example of counterfeit currency, works by Dubreuil were confiscated by the American Secret Services in the 1890s and of the other known dozen Barrels, one can be found in the Federal Reserve Bank Collection.

 

Gentleman’s social table – Apter Fredericks, Stand C6 – £95,000 ($149,000 or €134,000)

A true conversation piece by George Hepplewhite, this rare table – made circa 1800 – is perfect for sociable sorts and was designed with drinkers in mind. The Pol Roger pictured with it is included.

 

The Sampaio Service – Koopman Rare Art, Stand C30 – £1.5 million ($2.4 million or €2.1 million)

A magnificent pair of candelabra by Paul Storr of London and made in 1822, The Sampaio Service formed part of an extensive service for 180 persons and is described as representing “one of the most elaborate and important productions” by this renowned silversmith. Its first owner, Henrique Teixera de Sampaio (1774 – 1833), was a wealthy merchant who later became Portuguese Minister of Finance and then President of the Exchequer.

 

Masterpiece, South Grounds, The Royal Hospital Chelsea, London, SW3 4LW. For tickets click here.

 

 

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