Why London is the perfect hunting ground for antique lovers this month

The ‘Masterpiece’ fair offers collectors of art and antiques an unmissable opportunity, says Des O’Sullivan.

From Jacopo Bassano to Picasso to Richard Diebenkorn and Sean Scully, the Masterpiece London Art Fair at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, until July 3 offers an unmissable selection of art and antiques.

Masterpiece offers the finest works of art, design, furniture and jewellery from antiquity to the present day.

It gives collectors an unparalleled opportunity to discover exceptional works across a range of price points.

Launched in 2010 to fill the gap created after the end of the old Grosvenor House Antique Fair, Masterpiece has established itself as the world’s leading cross collecting fair.

A pair of platinum, natural pearls and diamond tonneau earclips by Suzanne Belperron, Pars c1955-69 at Veronique Bamps at Masterpiece.

Exhibitors include many of the leading art dealerships in the world spanning all eras and disciplines.

As in all top global fairs now, there is scrupulous vetting in operation.

Exceptional Irish antique furniture is offered by Rory Rodgers on stand B20 and fine antique furniture can be found on stands like Ronald Phillips, Apter- Fredericks and Edward Hurst.

Modernity of Stockholm offers vintage Scandinavian design with a focus on furniture, lighting and textiles.

Myrrh 1985 by Bridget Riley at Hazlitt Holland-Hibbert at Masterpiece

The large collection here includes design classics by Hans Wegner, Finn Juhl, Arne Jacobsen, Alvar Aalto, Axel Salto and Josef Frank.

There is ancient art and antiquities, contemporary jewellery, rare books and illustrated manuscripts, Indian art and a huge selection of contemporary art.

Book dealer Peter Harrington will showcase a collection of Ian Fleming material which includes inscribed first editions of every James Bond book published in the author’s lifetime.

A 2nd Century AD Roman marble Venus at Charles Ede at Masterpiece.

Leading figures from the British Museum, the Royal Academy of Arts, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum are included in a lecture series with talks exploring the relationship between art, fashion and technology.

An inaugural sculptural series is curated by Jo Bring, director of the Ingram Collection of Modern British and Contemporary Art, showcasing dynamic modern and contemporary works throughout the fair.

Masterpiece London Art Fair continues every day at the South Grounds of the Royal Hospital until next Wednesday.