Lots of the dealers were very happy with the opening day’s results. David Stern had sold pictures before the gala evening dinner and implied that the costs of the Stern Pissarro stand had been covered – quite a coup. The early stages of a January fair are pretty good for dealers as collectors that turn up during such a grim time of year tend to be serious. BRAFA must be saluted for managing to keep to the old ticketing parameters where one has to turn up with a physical ticket and there was not an app in sight for the opening days. Apps at art fairs drive me mad. There is no need for such technology and I am lost as to why there is such an aversion to paper.
As to the fair my favourite galleries all offered work from a similar era and place: post-war continental. The wonderful work of Alechinsky, Appel and Vieira da Silva were on display. Belgian stalwarts were well displayed from the mighty Bram Bogart to the odd work by James Ensor too. Yet perhaps the biggest draw was on the Lampronti stand: a vast Canaletto painting of real rarity that might compete with the stunner up for sale at Christie’s all too soon.
Stands to watch:
Helene Bailly Marcilhac: A great Othon-Friesz (illustrated), superb Van Dongen works and a sensational, but unusual, Marquet synonymous with even Matisse’s best work.
A & R Fleury: For the three gorgeous Helena Maria Vieira da Silva paintings. One of which sold on the opening day.
Galeria Jordi Pascual: A great Millares painting was the highlight of this stand that boasted a wonderful collection of post-war French works too.
Die Galerie: The superstar dealer had a vast Max Ernst sculpture that was the showstopper of the second hall.
Christophe Gaillard: A wonderful stand showing a couple of pieces by the whimsical work of ‘Ursula’, a glorious 60s spin on the work of Carrington, Kahlo et al. Joan Mitchell was a huge fan. She is worth watching after a superb show at the Ludvig Museum in Koln and another due soon in South America too.
Maurice Verbaet: A terrific 1957 Alechinsky amongst some other post-war gems. Always a great stand on the corner of the front aisle.
Overall, a glorious fair and a great place to visit too. Enjoy the fair and do go visit before it ends this Friday. If you need any advice on acquisitions, please do not hesitate to reach out!