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Stella
In Conversation with W.W. Warner...
W.W. Warner Antiques are a wonderful local business, sourcing beautiful antique porcelain and glass from around the world. In this ‘In Conversation With…’ read on for insights and tips from Managing Partner, Chris Jowitt.
Chris Jowitt, Managing Partner, has been dealing in Porcelain for over 25 years, during which time he has helped to develop great collections as well as introduce many new clients to the wonderful world of collecting. Here he explains how he became an antique dealer, what he loves about our area, and the future trends he expects for the year ahead.
1. How did you become a porcelain dealer?
I always had an interest in collecting precious items, from a young age. Through my family I had a connection with the industry and I have been working as a dealer ever since.
2. What do you love most about our local area?
It has to be the diversity of beautiful things around us to see, from rolling hills to picturesque villages .
3. What trends do you predict in 2018?
I predict that, people will continue to seek out the very best purchases for them. Buying the best is a trend that always pays dividends.
4. Where can we buy a piece of porcelain?
From my shop! We can source the finest antique porcelain and glass from around the world.
5. What else would you like to tell us about your business?
As well as offering many unique products through our shop, we advise major collections and museums worldwide on porcelain. This is another part of my job, and one that I love. We can also arrange restoration and conservation of precious items, and valuations for a treasured possession you may be curious about.
This interview follows on from our 'Local Business Showcase' in February.
W.W. Warner can be found in Brasted, Kent.
Photograph above: An extremely rare Meissen Johann Frederich Böttger Hausmalerie teapot and cover of compressed globular form painted in red monochrome. With gilded fluted moulding around the cover, rim and foot. The chain is solid gold. Porcelain dates to c1720 with the decoration slightly later.
Stella
The Masterpiece Marie Curie Party.
Where and When
On Monday 30th May I had the pleasure of attending The Masterpiece Marie Curie Party at the Masterpiece Art and Antiques Fair, located on the South Grounds of The Royal Hospital, Chelsea. I always look forward to visiting the fair because of the diversity of pieces for sale and the history behind them, they each have a story to tell.
For sale were museum-quality art, antiques, jewellery and a whole host of exclusive designs covering different eras, a collectors paradise. Each item at the fair was individually vetted by 26 committees of independent experts and specialists to guarantee authenticity.
Mid Summer Party
This years Masterpiece Marie Curie Party was supported by watch manufacturer Jaeger-LeCoultre. For the second year Marie Curie Cancer Care was selected as the beneficiary of funds raised at the party.
Ambassador Heather Krezner hosted the Champagne, cocktail and canapé reception and greeted guests who included David and Catherine Bailey, Tina Cobley and her husband Oliver Wheeler, Clive Owen, Monica Lewinsky, Princess Beatrice of York, Kirstie Alsop, Rachel Hunter, John Caudwell, Amanda Eliasch and celebrity photographer Richard Young to name only a few of the celebrities who attended.
The general public were invited to attend too and paid £95 per ticket to this prestigious event. There was the option to purchase luxury goods and experiences in the silent auction, including a painting lesson with Ronnie Wood, all proceeds to the chosen charity. There was also a raffle to win a brand new MINI convertible and an exclusive pair of fine earrings by Niquesa Fine Jewellers, at only £20 per ticket, a bargain for the lucky winners.
After the drinks reception the celebrities were privately entertained to a dinner and auction which raised in excess of £900,00 for Marie Curie Cancer Care that depends on events like this to fund their nursing care. It was so lovely to see so many of the nurses and staff from the charity at the event, and the local Chelsea Pensioners too.
My Photographs
I photographed the atmosphere which was buzzing, as well as the guests, there was a lot going on which really set the party scene from a graceful ballerina to Robin Harris' London Dixie and Jazz Bands and snippets of wonderful characters through time from Gideon Reeling.
I particularly like going to visit Long Sharp Gallery this Indianapolis based gallery features works from Picasso and Andy Warhol to Pop with a huge variety of innovative art too.
I was introduced to The Masterpiece Fair by my clients Chris Jowitt and Ray Russell from WW.Warner who specialise in 18th and 19th century porcelain. I have had the privilege of photographing their exclusive pieces for the BADA catalogues and always look forward to seeing what I'm going to photograph next. For example a Worcester porcelain lobed dessert plate (as shown) hand painted at the London atelier of James Giles . Circa 1768-70, at nearly 250 years old it's a strange feeling working with such fine quality that has withstood the test of time.
Photographed in my studio using Nikon's 24mm-120mm lens and one soft box to light the subject, I find it picks up the fine detail synonymous with art of this era, propped against a neutral grey background, the perfect contrast. The artwork shows a traveller on horseback with his dog at his side. Post production on these images ensure the colour reproduction is as accurate as possible.
This was a wonderful evening enjoyed by so many to raise funds so needed to support Marie Curie Cancer Care.
Thanks for reading, my next newsletter will be in two weeks time about the Oxted Beer Festival.
Bye for now.
Stella