Galleries - January 2013

art fair at the SCIENCE MUSEUM With over 50 galleries participating in its 4th year at the Level 1 galleries of the Science Museum, South Kensington (its now permanent home) the Watercolours + Works on Paper Fair appears to have found a much needed niche in a very competitive market area. Not surprisingly, the basic format retains the same straightforward and inclusive scheme as ever – everything that comes on paper. Prints, drawings, watercolours, posters and photography, all periods from Early – 17th Century – through Modern to Contemporary, with some good entry level pricing at c.£200-500 before the main bulk of work at £500-10,000 and careful expert vetting. Alongside what amounts to a very respected roster of galleries and dealers, there are some interesting ‘bonus’ shows which the Fair supports. This year there are two – a stand for the National Open Art Competition in which 10 of their prize-winning contemporary artists will be showing works on paper and another in their superb collaborations with the Science Museum’s Art Collection. Entitled ‘The Conquest of the Skies’, this draws on its little-known (i.e. never really seen before) collection of works focusing on the history of ballooning and is curated by Boris Jardine, Curator of the History of Science at the Museum, and Modern British pictures expert Harry Moore-Gwyn. And marvelous stuff it is too, full of surprises and wonderfully arresting images, from a James Gillray of ‘The National Parachute or John Bull conducted to Plenty and Emancipation’ (sounds bang up to 2013) to a Norman Wilkinson of 1917 showing three airships hunting submarines in the Straits of Dover. But it’s only on for the four days of the show so make sure you catch it . . . Nicholas Usherwood T he Watercolours + Works on Paper Fair runs from 31 JANUARY to 3 FEBRUARY 2013 at the Science Museum, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD w ww.worksonpaperfair.com