ALTHOUGH London-based, Brian and Anna Haughton
really established their international reputation as top organisers with their
New York fairs.
They introduced strict vetting to the Manhattan
fairs scene and at their transatlantic height held four events a year at the
Park Avenue Armory.
They still host one of New York’s premier
fixtures, The International Fine Art & Antique Dealers Show, at the Armory
every October but have firmly re-established themselves on their home turf with
Art Antiques London which was launched in 2010 and has its third staging from
June 14 to 20.
The Haughtons have always put on a good show
but their latest London venture adds to quality and stylish presentation what I
think is probably the most mouthwatering venue for any fair anywhere, a large
and airy marquee in Kensington Gardens right next door to the Albert Memorial
and directly opposite the Royal Albert Hall.
I remember sitting at dinner in the excellent
fair restaurant looking out as the sun set on the gilded statue of Prince
Albert and thinking as ambience goes fairs do not get much better.
Of
course, there is plenty to appreciate inside the fair where more than 70 international
dealers bring a stock with a definite connoisseurial flavour, especially the
ceramics since the new event incorporates the Haughtons’ acclaimed
International Ceramics Fair and Seminar which is a foremost academic forum for
serious ceramics buffs.