Two exhibits specialising in photography stand out. Hamiltons Gallery, who won this year’s ‘Stand of the Year’, are showing a very attractive Richard Avedon photograph of Marilyn Monroe, which is in prize position on the front of their stand and continues to stop visitors in their tracks. Caught in a fleetingly vulnerable moment, American Marilyn Monroe, New York City (1957), is a large gelatin silver print on offer in the range of a mid six-figure sum. Hans P. Kraus Jr. from New York specialise in Old Master photography. They are showing Two Actors from the melodrama “Robert Macaire” (1850’s) (see above) by Rufus Anson, whose studio was one of the oldest and most well known in 19^th century New York. The whole-plate, hand-coloured daguerreotype is in excellent condition, allowing the mesmerising effect of this early photographic technique to be fully marvelled. It is still available and has an asking price of $225,000 USD.

Satelite events also continue. Last night, Masterpiece entertained its visitors with the world’s first ever ‘chamber soundscape’. Quartets were dispersed throughout the fair, conducted by renowned Artistic Director Peter Manning via live video links. Two of the instruments being played are themselves important works of art and are for sale - the only cello ever made by Guarneri del Gesu, and a rare, highly sought-after Stradivarius violin. . .

 

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