The 3rd edition of the Collector's Fair invites all lovers of art and antiques to the Grand Palais. Created and organized by the National Union of Antique dealers, the Salon du Collectionneur has been a great public success, capable of attracting the public at large as well as exhibitors, during its two first editions in 2003 and 2005. Open mindedness, diversity, quality and culture are the four directions the Salon has pursued, while illustrating the dynamism of the antique dealer's profession. The Fair has remained faithful to its creative ambition, allowing visitors and collectors to have access to the objects they love, while enhancing the wealth of each specialty. Over 120 antique dealers will exhibit this year under the glass dome of the Grand Palais, in an open scenography.
A greater number of exhibitors
The third edition of the Salon du Collectionneur will bring together 124 French and international galleries (from 12 different countries), nearly twenty more than in 2005, among them 47 are new exhibitors. Some major names are back, such as Bernard Steinitz, Jacques Barrère, Phoenix Ancien Art, Bernard Dulon, Gisèle Croës, the Mermoz gallery, Bernard Croissy or the De Jonckheere gallery. Others who either founded the event or are very involved in its organization will contribute as exhibitors to the success of the Salon: Christian Deydier, Michel Vandermeersch or Robert Vallois, just to mention a few
An anthology of treasures
It is impossible to list all the masterpieces that will be shown, from XVIIIth century furniture - a great French specialty- to Asian archeology, from the XVIIth century Flemish painters to the art of ceramics, from jewelry to Gobelins tapestries. But just as an afore-taste of the beauties to be discovered, we can mention, at random, an officer's pendulum from the Royal Clockmakers of Turin (at Giorgio Salvai's), a drawing in dark ink by George Grosz (at Dr Riedl), a portrait signed by Jean-François Millet (galerie Normand), one by Rembrandt Bugatti (Univers du Bronze), a Sèvres ensemble of historic origin (Vandermeersch Voltaire), a Bodhisattva head from the Vith century (Jacques Barrère) or even a Tyiwara crest from Mali (Alain Bovis)… Certain gallery owners chose monographic exhibits. Consequently we will discover George Herms at Vallois Sculptures, Calder at ALFA or system furniture in Oregon pine wood at Alain Marcelpoil's gallery.
Illustration: Statue of Skanda , Granite .Southern India Vijayanagar dynasty, 13th - 14th century H. : 120 cm Galerie BARRERE
Hommage to crafstmen
This edition will underline in particular the links between an object and a collector. When dealing with antiques, the artist himself is at the heart of the collection process. When we talk of restoring, preserving or protecting art we talk of knowledge and a precious know-how. The Salon du Collectionneur is proud to welcome the Grands Ateliers de France - the academy of artisans in decorative arts and the art of living. Sixteen workshops at the heart of the Fair will allow the public to dialogue with restorer artisans who represent the excellence of the art trades.
A taste for teaching
The conferences of the Salon du Collectionneur, implemented since the first edition, are the signature of its pedagogic dimension and the proof of its exceptional cultural opening. Each day, at 3:30 PM, the public will be invited to perfect its knowledge through conferences given by high-level specialists. These conferences will focus on the secrets of natural pearls as well as on major modern art collections, on lacquer screens from Coromandel as well as on Louis XIV's gem collection.
Illustration; Auguste RodinJean d'Aire' Bronze, Francois Rudier Fondeur, Height /46cm The SLADMORE Gallery
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