Masterpiece, London

As grand and respected as the name suggests it to be, Masterpiece London is one of the leading international art, antiques and design fairs in the world. Now in its 7th edition, the event runs from 30th June – 6th July 2016 in the grounds of the splendid Royal Hospital, Chelsea. The breadth of work showcased at this prestigious 5-day event spans a staggering 5,000 years, from antiquity to the present day.

Museum-quality works are for sale across multiple disciplines, pieces cherry-picked by top galleries, designers, and studios for their beauty and historical cachet. Items for sale include Impressionist and Modern works, Post-war and Contemporary art, Old Master paintings, modern and contemporary design, decorative arts, ethnographic and folk art, antiquities, rare books and jewellery. It’s an opportunity for enthusiasts to ensconce themselves in the heady world of highly-prized valuables, and for collectors and curators to spot the must-have pieces.

Highlights this year include a vivid green Louis XIV Walnut ‘Os de Mouton’ sofa from France, c.1730 presented by Rose Uniacke Interiors, an electric blue cabinet called ‘The Girih Treasure Chest’, 2016 exhibited by Linley, and a 1959 sketch of Sir Winston Churchill by Graham Sutherland, courtesy of Christopher Kingzett Fine Art.

The Royal Hospital in London’s affluent and leafy residential enclave of Chelsea is one of the capital’s most cherished institutions. Founded in 1682 by King Charles II as a home for retired soldiers, the building is now a retirement home for some 300 British Army veterans, known as the ‘Chelsea Pensioners’ and conspicuous by their scarlet coats and tricorne hats. The South Grounds of this magnificent building are used for numerous annual events, including the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show.

Victor Airports:

When you fly with Victor, the possibilities for airports in London’s periphery double. Always let the team at Victor know your exact location for arrival and departure and they will suggest the closest and most convenient airport at the time of day you wish to travel. Victor is also on hand to source the fastest transfer route into central London, to deliver you to the capital as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

Airport: London Biggin Hill (BQH) – 17 miles/114 km,  71 mins from London Charing Cross
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 07:30-21:00, Sat, Sun: 09:00-21:00
There are extensions possible on standard opening hours at weekends, however, prior notice is mandatory.

Airport: RAF Northolt (NHT) – 15 miles/24 km,  50 mins from London Charing Cross
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 08:00-20:00, Sat: 08:00-15:00, Sun: 12:00-19:00
Security here is strict as Northolt is a Military airfield, thus passenger details need to be provided beforehand. No extension is possible on any day. Often a preferred airport for VVIP but it is advisable to book in advance. Subject to slots that can be difficult to obtain at short notice. Only allowed 40 civilian movements per day.

Airport: London Stansted (STN) – 39 miles/62 km,  67 mins from London Charing Cross
Opening Hours: 24/7
No restrictions – additional charges may apply for handling out of hours at weekends. Subject to slots as there are commercial flights.

Airport: Luton (LTN) – 35 miles/56 km,  70 mins from London Charing Cross
Opening Hours: 24/7
No restrictions – additional charges may apply for handling out of hours at weekends. Subject to slots.

Airport: London City (LCY) – 15 miles/37 km,  59 mins from London Charing Cross
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 06:30-21:45, Sat:06:30-12:30, Sun: 12300-21.45
Always costs significantly more (approx £3000) – a premium is charged for both the location and positioning flights as there is no parking. Only specific aircraft can fly to into this airport and the pilots require special training. Subject to slots.

Airport: Farnborough (FAB) – 38 miles/61 km,  95 mins from London Charing Cross
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 07:00-22:00, Sat, Sun: 08:00-20:00
A weekend surcharge applies for any flight amounting to £700 per movement. Slots often available even for last minute flights.

Airport: Stapleford (EGSG) – 23 miles/37 km,  59 mins from London Charing Cross
Opening Hours: 24/7
Access limited to King Air aircraft operated by LEA.

Airport: Blackbushe (BBS) – 41 miles/66 km,  91 mins from London Charing Cross
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 08:00-18:00
Access limited to Mustang aircraft operated by Blink and Turbo-props

Airport: Battersea Heliport
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 07:30-19:30, Sat, Sun: 08:00-18:00
A helicopter from Battersea Heliport is the fastest option to get to the airport from central London. Please inquire when you request a quote.

*Feature images courtesy of masterpiecefair.com