R arely does the chance come up to hear a full and frank discussion between two seasoned experts in different, yet related fields - fields that have historically been sometimes at odds. The art world has had its share of scandals and stories, though many revolve around its resounding successes which the public devour with great interest. How these are reflected in the art press is sometimes different from the perception within the art market itself. However one thing that is universally acknowledged and agreed is the importance of the key characters that act as king-makers and market leaders.
On Saturday 27 May at 11.30am at the Charleston Festival, Sotheby’s Impressionist art expert and author Philip Hook, and Georgina Adams, well-known art journalist for the FT and The Art Newspaper will be talking about the way art dealers have had a much more significant influence on the history of art than most people realise. They will be looking at the amazingly colourful characters who have dealt in art over the centuries and how their trajectory - sometimes behind the scenes - has shaped the course of the art world as we know it.
Georgina Adams's perspective, as a commentator on the globalised art market of today, will shed interesting light on the discussion, while Philip Hook's lengthy exposure to the history of key events and art sales will open our eyes. Add to the mix the beautiful setting of Charleston, the home of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant (of the famed 'Bloomsbury Set'), and you have a festival event not to be missed. For those who want to spot a relationship with our Middle Eastern region, let me hasten to emphasize that Gertrude Bell, renowned traveller, spy, Perso-phile who journeyed extensively in Iran and even spoke Persian, is in no way related to her contemporary Clive Bell, husband of Vanessa Bell, Virginia Woolf's sister. This, however, in no way diminishes the interest of visiting this glorious venue and attending the Charleston Festival to hear two iconic speakers tell us about those who make the art scene tick.
To find out more and to buy tickets visit https://www.charleston.org.uk/festival/.
