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Partner Focus – Talbot Capes Ltd

Written by Jenna Jones on . Posted in Latest, Partner Blogs.

Talbot Capes Fine Art Management offers high-quality, discreet curatorship and care for art collections of all sizes and contents. The team handles everything from cataloguing, provenance research and inventory management, to shipping and installation, advising on climate control and conservation. Working to museum quality standards, they ensure the highest level of care to art collectors all over the world.

Prior to founding the company, director Sarah Capes had worked in both the public and private sectors of the art world for over ten years; exclusively with private collections for five years. She identified a clear market need for a business that could combine the curatorial skills necessary for public museums and galleries with those needed in private collections.

“The most exciting part of being an art collector is looking at art, making a purchase, and enjoying hanging that piece on the wall. But every work of art has a life of its own beyond that. Even a brand new contemporary artwork needs to be appropriately cared for in order to preserve it for future generations: it needs to be skilfully installed and well-lit, in safe environmental conditions. It needs to be properly logged, photographed and documented in a secure database, in order to save time and money on administrative procedures later down the line. All public museums and galleries have at least one curator – if not several – carrying out these tasks, and we believe that private collections should be able to secure with absolute confidence that same detailed level of care.”

By combining research, administration, curatorship and preventive conservation advice, Talbot Capes Fine Art Management provides peace of mind that not only are their clients’ artworks being appropriately preserved, but the value of the collection is fundamentally protected. Sarah and her expert team streamline what can be the daunting and time-consuming process of organising the documentation associated with every art collection – purchase records, sales invoices, photography, literature, import / export documents; this in turn can streamline a host of other processes, from organising insurance policies to legacy and estate planning.

The art market remains an opaque and unregulated one, where it can be difficult to know who to trust. As impartial and unbiased curators, Sarah and her team are able to offer honest opinions and act as a sounding board when clients are presented with acquisition proposals.

Having an overview of an entire collection allows the team to advise on acquisitions that will contribute thematically and sensibly to the collection as a whole, which can subsequently increase its value.

Many collectors lack the time to organise and manage their collections themselves. Talbot Capes Fine Art Management alleviates all of the many tasks involved, removing the burden from the collector and allowing them to carry on focussing on what it is they truly love: collecting.

“Sarah is a fantastic exponent of the art world. Her attention to detail and her approach to research and client support has been exemplary, and it has been truly inspiring to work with her and to benefit from her knowledge and expertise.” – Private Client, London

Must-See Art Exhibitions This Autumn

Written by Jenna Jones on . Posted in Events, Latest.

With the crisp air and cooling temperatures of fall soon to be upon us, it’s time to start planning new ways to spend our days. And nothing hits the spot on a dreary Saturday afternoon quite like an exciting art exhibition. To ensure you don’t miss out on any of the highly anticipated shows this autumn, Niki Gifford of Gifford PR has put together an extensive roundup of the must-see exhibitions in London. From Sarah Lucas’ much-awaited Happy Gas to George Baselitz’s sculptures and the Women in Art Fair, your cultural guide to all things art awaits…

Marina Abramović

Maybe the most anticipated show in London this month, The RA host a look back on the illustrious career of the queen of performance Marina Abramović. With performers from the artists own institute bringing back to life famous part performances, this may prove to be an exhibition not for the faint hearted.

Where: The Royal Academy
When: now until 1st January 2024

Rob Munday & Christian Furr – Resplendence

Royal artists Rob Munday & Christian Furr come together with a special exhibition which opened last month to commemorate one year since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. With a selection of works both royal and on the theme of ‘resplendence’, Furr and Munday show off their distinct but complementary practices in this beautiful exhibition.

Where: Dellasposa Gallery
When: now until 17th October 2023

Sarah Lucas: Happy Gas

The much anticipated show for the Y.B.A legend, Happy Gas takes viewers through works from 1990 to the present day with Lucas’s signature filthy look at sex, smoking and death. Receiving rave reviews, this exhibition is a great opportunity to explore four decades of work by one of the most significant artists of her generation.

Where: Tate Britain
When: now until January 2024

Farah Al Qasimi – Abort, Retry, Fail

The first UK solo exhibition by former Delfina Foundation resident Farah Al Qasimi captures glimpses of everyday life and the entangled relationship between material culture and globalised societies. Comprising of photographs, vinyl wallpaper works and a specifically commissioned video.

Where: Delfina Foundation
When: 4th October – 20th November 2023

RE/SISTERS – A Lens on Gender & Ecology

A major new group show is coming to Barbican in October, exploring the relationship between gender equality and the systematic links between gender oppression and environmental destruction. Featuring 50 international women and gender non-conforming artists, this looks to be an interesting look at environmental oppression with a host of multi-disciplinary works.

Where: Barbican
When: 5th October – 14th January 2024

Georg Baselitz: Sculptures 2011-2015

Bringing Georg Baselitz’s sculptural works to the fore, this solo exhibition offers an intimate glimpse into the creative process of a ground-breaking artist. This is a rare opportunity to see a selection of works originally intended to be maquettes for larger bronze works, alongside a selection of drawings from the artists studio. This looks set to be a rare opportunity to see a host of works from a pioneer of post-war German art.

Where: The Serpentine
When: 5th October – 7th January 2024

PAD London

The 15th London edition of the premier art and design fair, PAD comes back to West London this October. A mix of new and returning exhibitors, the fair will also feature specially commissioned works like Light Entanglements by Stine Bidstrup, a chandelier featuring elegant hand-blown clusters of glass. The only fair in the UK dedicated to contemporary design, this is definitely not one to miss for design lovers.

Where: Berkley Square
When: 10th – 15th October 2023

Celebrating Picasso Today: Infinite Modernism

As part of the international program Picasso Celebration 1973-2023, which brings together dozens of institutions around the world, Almine Rech is presenting a series of exhibitions featuring works by contemporary artists which highlight the scale of Picasso’s artistic impact. The exhibition aims to showcase how modern and contemporary artists have been directly inspired by Picasso’s work over the decades.

Where: Almine Rech
When: 10th October – 18th November 2023

Women in Art Fair

A brand initiative this year, the Women in Art Fair aims to redress the art worlds gender imbalance by showcasing the work of emerging and established female artists. With a mission to create a space for female curators, artists and gallerists to show their work and to contribute to the developing exchange of ideas around gender, sexuality and culture, WIAF is an exciting new event celebrating women in art.

Where: Mall Galleries
When: 11th – 14th October 2023

Freize London & Masters

The event in the London art calendar, Frieze brings galleries and artists from all over the world to Regents Park to see the latest in contemporary art practice and the best in big names the art market has to offer. This year will feature over 160 galleries from over 40 countries, a new ‘artist to artist’ initiative and ‘Modern Women’ curated by AWARE.

Where: Regents Park
When: 11th – 15th October 2023

Become Your Own Interior Designer

Written by Amira Hashish on . Posted in Events, Gifting, Interiors, Latest.

By Amira Hashish

If embarking on a home revamp seems rather daunting, fear not. Thanks to the rise of online workshops with some of the world’s leading designers you can learn from the best and gain access to the crème de la crème of the interiors world without breaking the bank. From a step by step guide to renovating with Rita Konig to lampshade painting at one of London’s loveliest hotels, these innovative platforms and events will enhance your home makeover skills whilst helping you have fun along the way…

The Ultimate Guide to Interior Design With Rita Konig

Known for her sumptuous but liveable style, Rita Konig’s interior schemes are coveted by the A-List set. The likes of Vogue, The New York Times, House & Garden and The Wall Street Journal celebrate her approach to design but it is more attainable than ever thanks to an online course by Create Academy. Rita opens up her little book of secrets to offer online tutorials from the comfort of her living room. Throughout more than five hours of video lessons, Rita delves into the techniques, suppliers and materials she uses. She also encourages her ‘students’ to be confident with their own skills and discover how decorating can be a little less daunting and a lot more fun. There are plenty more courses to explore on Create Academy as well. Through beautiful, thoughtfully curated videos, the expertise of today’s leading figures in food, interiors, gardening and craft are just a few clicks away.

Enrol me: £127, createacademy.com.

Firmdale Hotels’ Creative Workshops

Kit Kemp has inspired so many interior design lovers with her fabulous Firmdale Hotels and now she is opening their doors to those keen to learn from the best. Leading arts and craftspeople are hosting a series of Creative Workshops at the Ham Yard and Haymarket Hotels this spring. On March 17 set designer and decorative artist Tess Newall will give attendees their very own handmade card lampshade to paint and take home. Inspiration will be drawn from the shapes, colours and patterns found in Kit Kemp’s hotel interiors and in Tess’s own collections. On March 31 you can learn to paint interiors in watercolour with artist, author and host of the cult weekly painting challenge ‘Room Portrait Club’ SJ Axelby. It is over to world-renowned florist, author and designer Willow Crossley on April 17 for a flower arranging workshop on the Roof Terrace at Ham Yard Hotel. Ticket prices include all materials, morning coffee, lunch in the hotel and your completed item to take home.

Enrol me: from £195, firmdalehotels.com.

The Expert

British born, Los Angeles based interior designer Jake Arnold, who counts the likes of John Legend and Chrissy Teigen amongst clients, had the excellent idea of bringing together his network of movers and shakers from the design world to launch a platform called The Expert. The premise is that you can book a video consultation with designers of every kind at varying budgets. Appointments range from £125 to £1,250 and you can opt for a one-time consultation or several video calls for something more in-depth such as a full-scale home renovation. Gaining 1:1 advice from designers who are at the top of their game will give you an instant home makeover knowledge boost.

Enrol me: theexpert.com.

MasterClass: Kelly Wearstler Teaches Interior Design

It doesn’t get much cooler than California design queen Kelly Wearstler. Her eclectic but soothing approach has become the epitome of the modern American home aesthetic whilst the Proper Hotels she puts her stamp on are the stuff of dreams. In her MasterClass series, she goes behind the scenes to demystify interior design. She teaches you to make any space feel larger and to choose colours, materials, and textures with confidence. Through her 17 video lessons, she also offers an insight into where she uncovers her collections of art and objects to create spaces that tell a story.

Enrol me: £14/month (billed annually) for all classes and sessions, masterclass.com.

Upskill…With a Little Help From Noah

Noah is an online platform selling Craft Starter Kits that help you take the first step into a new hobby. Ever fancied making your own pottery? How about learning how to make DIY Jesmonite & Terrazzo? Perhaps some scented candle making is on the cards? Noah’s kits offer step by step guides to making whilst supplying everything you need to turn your new learnings into reality. Fun, informative and fuss-free. 

Enrol me: from £26.25 per kit, noahsbox.com.

Paint a Piece of Furniture at Minerva Workshop

This short course aims to introduce the wonders of chalk paint when upcycling furniture. A range of painting techniques are demonstrated such as how to apply paint, age products and apply finishes to ensure your furniture or walls looks good for the long-term. You will use various chalk paints, waxes and finishes and take home painted board to use as a future reference. There is also 10% off any Annie Sloan paint you purchase on the day which could come in handy. Minerva Workshop in Kentish Town offers several other great workshops too, including a regular Design Surgery with textile designer and doyenne of repeat pattern Sarah Campbell.

Enrol me: from £85, minervaworkshop.co.uk.

Tablescaping With Wild at Heart

There is an art to tablescaping and Wild at Heart are here to help. In this workshop, you will learn how to create beautiful bud vases to style alongside tapered candles and tea lights. The team will walk you through the tips and tricks of how colours, themes, placement and flowers come together so that you can wow your dinner guests with your table wizardry. 

Enrol me: £225 per person, includes a set of six bud vases, three tea lights and three tapered candles, wildatheart.com.

Passion Investments & NFTs

Written by Anya Cooklin-Lofting on . Posted in Finance, Latest, Lifestyle.

By Anya Cooklin-Lofting

For many, investments of passion are a welcome balm to the complexities and intangibilities of more traditional investment categories like stocks and bonds. At their most basic, passion investments involve the purchase of items you love that tend to be defined by their rarity, quality, cultural or aesthetic value and of course, their demand. It is all about investing in alternative kinds of assets that bring you more than just a return on your investment should you choose to sell. In other words, such investments offer investors the chance to enjoy the items under their care. 

Typical passion investments include art and furniture, jewellery, coins and cars, which generally demonstrate an increase in value over time, or at least tend to hold their value. Because passion investors aren’t guaranteed a return, it’s important to look at how different passion investment categories have performed over the last couple of decades to help inform their purchases. However, investments of passion do tend to perform well during periods of economic uncertainty because the value of passion asset classes doesn’t undulate with the rise and fall of potentially unfavourable stock markets. In this way, passion investing proves to be a sensible, enjoyable and rewarding way to diversify your investment portfolio. 

The best part about investing, and investing in passion asset classes more specifically, is that you don’t have to be an ultra-high net worth individual to get involved. While there are some categories that demand a certain amount of wealth due to the nature of the assets (such as classic cars), the majority offer entry-level investment opportunities for every budget.

Fine art is the best example of a passion investment that feels at once democratic and exclusive depending on the financial commitment you’re happy to make. Although there is no guarantee that your investment will pay off, you’ll be able to enjoy the art while you own it and bide your time while tastes and demands fluctuate. 

The same principles can be applied to antique and designer furniture or jewellery. Our collective, quickly changing tastes and preferences adversely affect the valuation of these kinds of assets. The best thing to do over and above enjoying your purchases is to keep them safe, clean and out of direct sunlight.

The more progressive, experimental set of passion investors, however, are turning to other asset classes. Designer trainers, for example, have come into their own as an investment category, hence the £22,783 price tag attached to the Kanye West X Louis Vuitton collection. But one of the most headline-grabbing passion investment options is in Non-Fungible Tokens or NFTs, which allow passion investors to own digital assets. 

In the midst of the pandemic in March 2021, market tracking revealed a collective spend of US$200 million on NFTs including artworks, memes and gifs. Fundamentally, an NFT is a non-interchangeable, non-replicable asset, making it more similar to a piece of art in the physical world than the cryptocurrency one would use to buy it. 

This is well summarised the popularity of ‘Bored Ape’ NFTs, a limited edition of 10,000 artworks with different unique traits and qualities, owned largely by super-rich musicians and sports personalities and created by the application software developer, Yuga Labs. The very human act of art-buying is driven by aesthetics; we buy the art that speaks to us, and this is also how passion investors pursue their NFTs, and Bored Apes in particular. But on a wider, slightly more psycho-sociological level, Yuga Labs has created a brand-led community in the same way that other luxury brands have done, giving wealthy participants in the community a sense of belonging and prestige. They have successfully built a digital community that uses a heady cocktail of ‘hype’ (as celebrities publically invest in their NFTs) and new technology to charm an audience and persuade people into passion investments that serve to express their digital identities. 

In the same way a passion investor in physical fine art might collect works from a narrow artistic movement, era or style to say something about who they are in the world, NFT investors are investing in works that inform their digital presence. All of us with any disposable income have those things in our lives that feel like part of the collage of ‘stuff’ that makes up our curated personalities. NFTs are just an extension of that phenomenon but in the digital world. 

Independent Home Brands to Know and Love

Written by Amira Hashish on . Posted in All, Interiors, Latest, Partner Blogs.

By Amira Hashish

There is something very satisfying about kitting out your home with pieces that have a story. Whether it’s a dreamy vintage find or a beautifully sculpted item, seeking out home decor with heritage and craftsmanship elevates your space whilst adding character. Unsure where to start? These independently owned brands and websites will set you on the right path…

Design Stories

In a Nutshell

Crafted collection

The Detail

Design Stories creates refined, eclectic spaces that reflect the distinctiveness of its environment and the people who inhabit it. Founder Murude Katipoglu has a wonderful eye for statement pieces that conjure feeling and warmth. So it is excellent news that the studio has recently launched a shop on its website where you can buy beautifully sourced pieces and a small but soon to be growing selection of bespoke items.

What to Find

Furniture, Ceramics, Kilims

Discover More

studiodesignstories.com

@designstories.collection

Partnership Editions Home

In a Nutshell

The home as art

The Detail

Twelve artists have translated their creative talents to produce ceramics, lighting, table linens, candlesticks, wall hangings and cushions. Similar to Partnership Editions’ art collections, there is an emphasis on curation, quality and collectible limited runs. Each piece is available to buy throughout the year in a series of Home Drops alongside the release of artworks. The debut collection features work from Alessandra Chambers, Adriana Jaros, Cecilia Reeve, Frances Costelloe, Isabelle Hayman, Joseph Dupré, Julianna Byrne, Kanica, Laxmi Hussain, Petra Börner, Venetia Berry and Zahra Holm.

What to Find

Crockery, Cushions, Decor

Discover More

partnershipeditions.com

@partnershipeditions

Aller Dorset

In a Nutshell

Huts and homeware

The Detail

A tale of a London family who left city life to set up their dream country escape. Aller Dorset is set on Aller Farm. Ant and Cat recently moved back to the farm and founded Aller Dorset, comprising two luxury self-catered huts overlooking the most lovely lake and Dorset countryside. Cat’s growing interest in interior design led her to create luxurious furnishings for the huts, with many special touches for the guests to discover. If you can’t make it to Dorset you can shop her pieces online too.

What to Find

Staycation, Headboards, Tableware, Accessories

Discover More

allerdorset.com

@allerdorset

Skye McAlpine Tavola

In a Nutshell

La Dolce Vita at home

The Detail

Known for being the hostess with the mostess, it was inevitable that cookery writer Skye McAlpine launched her very own tableware line. She says: “I have often struggled to find just that right plate – the right shape, the right size, colourful enough to be striking on the table but not so garishly bright that it takes away from the food, and so forth… and so Tavola was born.”

What to Find

Tableware, Aprons, Entertaining Decor

Discover More

skyemcalpinetavola.com

@skyemcalpinetavola

Glassette

In a Nutshell

Laura Jackson means business

The Detail

A new online marketplace for the home. Every object has been thoughtfully chosen because of the creativity, care and craft that has brought it to life. Longevity, artistry and environmentally conscious materials and design are at the forefront of the selection by Laura and her team.

What to Find

Prints, Fragrance, Furniture, Decor

Discover More

glassette.com

@glassette

Domenica Marland

In a Nutshell

Affordable art

The Detail

A young art dealer based between Wiltshire and London, Domenica has created an online platform that aims to sell affordable and decorative works of art. Through representing rising and contemporary artists she has established a programme that is accessible and engaging. The collections are made for homes that are unusual and diverse. 

What to Find

Prints, Frames, Decorative Art

Discover More

domenicamarland.com

@domenicamarland

De La Jardin

In a Nutshell

Va va voom vases

The Detail

Jacqueline de la Fuente, aka De La Jardin, sculpts all her vases from paper mache clay using her household paper and card waste. Each vase is slowly hand-sculpted with traces of her fingertips and hands on the surface to make every piece tactile and one of a kind. J’adore.

What to Find

Paper clay vases, Prints

Discover More

delajardin.com

@delajardin

The Sette

In a Nutshell

Kitchen kitsch

The Detail

Table and kitchenware that is relaxed and optimistic, with craftsmanship at its core. Think colourful cutlery, printed linens and scalloped-edge plates. Oh and it’s pronounced Set.

What to Find

Kitchenware, Linens

Discover More

thesette.com

@the.sette

BIVAIN

In a Nutshell

Colourful cushions

The Detail

Founded by Megha Lohia and Rachel Fong, BIVAIN is a contemporary British home decor and accessories brand inspired by travel and centred on desire with an edge. The Central Saint Martins-trained designers worked for brands including Agent Provocateur and Zac Posen prior to launching their own whimsical line.

What to Find

Cushions, Rugs

Discover More

Bivain.com

@bivain

Lay London

In a Nutshell

Ready-to-rent tablescapes

The Detail

A tablescape rental service for those seeking instant dinner party glamour. Designs are born from a mutual love of bold colour palettes, elegant textiles and decadent furnishings in joyful combinations. Sisters Jemima and Alice have curated every LAY look.

What to Find

Table decor

Discover More

laylondon.com

@laylondonltd

Freya Bramble-Carter

In a Nutshell

Ceramics with soul

The Detail

Artist Freya creates work with a strong connection to the natural world. She has been firing pots from a young age at her father Chris’s studio in Kilburn which the duo now share. Freya’s work ranges from fine homewares, including plates and bowls, to sculptural pieces for the home and garden. You could even sign up for a workshop.

What to Find

Sculptural crockery 

Discover More

@freyabramblecarter

TAT London

In a Nutshell

A vintage haven

The Detail

TAT’s Charlie Porter has such a good eye for vintage finds which will add that special touch to your living spaces. We are big fans of her ‘Sale for Ukraine’ initiative. All the profits from these pieces will go towards supporting the people of Ukraine.

What to Find

Decorative items, Rugs, Mirrors

Discover More

tat-london.co.uk

@tat.london

Arlette Ess

In a Nutshell

Wild wallpaper

The Detail

Arlette started her print journey at Alexander McQueen and is now one of the artists contributing to the iconic Hermès Paris scarves collections. Her drawings showcase myths and creatures to convey a visceral beauty. You can shop her interiors directly, from statement wallpaper to intricately designed fabric.

What to Find

Wallpaper, Fabric, Cushions

Discover More

arlette-ess.com

@arletteess