Opening on 8 September at London’s Two Temple Place, Eye of the Collector is a new art fair “for a new era where collectors have the opportunity to view and acquire extraordinary works of art in a safe and intimate environment”.
Described by organisers as “boutique”, the Fair has been developed in response to the current global situation, with both a physical and digital edition. Ensuring a sustainable footprint is a key part of this.
Eye of the Collector is targeted at serious enthusiasts, and in its choice of location for its inaugural physical edition, intends that the Fair’s setting is as pleasurable as the art on show. Two Temple Place couldn’t be more different from the traditional white tent. Commissioned in the 1890s by William Waldorf Astor (1848 – 1919), then the richest man in the world, it is a dazzlingly opulent space, combining the grandeur of a London mansion with the intimacy of a private home.
Selected artworks will be displayed across a series of historic rooms, with categories mixed. Organisers promise a “progressive and alternative art experience”, creating a dialogue between the art and its architectural surroundings and providing a new way to buy works of art.
Eye of the Collector Founder and CEO, Nazy Vassegh, said: “When you enter a collector’s home, rarely do you see works from just one period on show. Eye of the Collector is a next generation art event, created for collectors and patrons. It will provide a unique opportunity for showcasing works across the artistic spectrum”.
The physical edition will be accompanied by a digital edition, Eye of the Collector x Christie’s. Christie’s will create and host a globally accessible online platform showcasing highlights from Eye of the Collector 2021 presented against the stunning backdrop of Two Temple Place, reaching a truly international audience.
Dirk Boll, President, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Christie’s, commented: “We are delighted to partner with Eye of the Collector for their inaugural edition. Eye of the Collector X Christie’s will provide a curated selection of works on a bespoke online platform that mirrors the unique setting this new fair will offer collectors and visitors alike. Accessible to all, the viewing room will allow those unable to travel to explore the fair, extending the global reach of Eye of the Collector in a hybrid event that blends the very best of live and digital art experiences.”
A celebration of connoisseurship spanning 6000 years of art history, participating galleries include Agnews, Charles Ede, Modernity, Pangolin London, Patrick Bourne & Co, Rebecca Hossack and Vigo Gallery.
Eye of the Collector takes place between 8 and 11 September 2021. Tickets are now on sale and can be booked online.
Image: Lynn Chadwick (1914-2003), Stairs (C125S), 1990, bronze, 105 x 53.2 x 37 cm, courtesy of Pangolin London
Smith Greenfield is an independent insurance broker specialising in insurance for collectors of valuable objects including: art insurance, antiques insurance, memorabilia insurance, vintage car insurance, fine wine insurance and more. To discuss specialist insurance for your collection, please contact our Premier Client Adviser, Imran Moideen, via email imran.moideen@smithgreenfield.co.uk or telephone 020 8603 3730.