The 2012 hype was increased by the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations and the impending Olympics starting in late July. There was much for the Australian buyer armed with a favourable exchange rate of about $1.6 to the £1 (relatively constant over the last three years, down from more than $2 to the £1 in June 2009).
Amongst those taking advantage and seen around the fairs were Sydney ceramics dealer Alan Landis, art dealer Christopher Day, silver dealer Jolyon Warwick James and Melbourne’s cosmopolitan John Wilson.
The long established Olympia International Fine Art & Antiques Fair (7th to 17th June) went one better fielding Tasmanian based John Hawkins as an exhibitor. Whilst these dealers and others also patronised the stylish Brian and Anna Haughton’s production Art Antiques London held in Kensington Gardens (14th to 20th June), they may have been less lucky at finding bargains at the magnificent and “top end” Masterpiece (28th June to 4th July).
Perhaps discoveries were still to be found at the sadly shrinking Portobello Road market, frequented over the years by so many Australians travellers.
Two particular exhibitions should be mentioned (amongst a host of excellent presentations).
Firstly Gold: power and allure held at Goldsmiths Hall (1st June to 28th July). This was an unprecedented exposé of the history of the metal, miners, mints, manufacturers and objects made from ancient times to the present day - some 500 pieces. A “pot of gold” in itself.
The second exhibition Power, Pageantry and the Thames (National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, 27th April to 9th September) drew together a fascinating array of objects into very interesting grouped themes – for example Royal Ceremony and the River and Nelson’s funeral Procession. At the helm of the museum is Dr Kevin Fewster the previous director of Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum and before that at the Australian National Maritime Museum.
London in June is also conveniently timed and placed on the “art route”. Whilst having its own significant offering it comes after the art auction season in New York (1st to 10th May) and links up with the easily accessible Art Basel art show (13th to 16th June). This no doubt attracted Roger McIlroy, formerly the head of Christies, Australia.
Also passing through England’s metropolis was travel tour leader, James Broadbent, well known as an historian, curator and Australiana expert. Others around included the Australian “one day cricket” team. It is uncertain if they qualify for a mention as either art aficionados or antiques buyers - or if they were too busy playing the game (largely unsuccessfully).
The usual Australian presence in London in June was very evident. But did the dealers and visitors from “down under” find the rainbow’s end? Some of the English trade suggested that not as many were to be seen this year. In any case, perhaps the real pot of gold at the rainbow’s end will be Olympic Games and a large haul of appropriate medals.