For art lovers
The upcoming ‘Art & Antiques Dubai’ fair promises to be a dazzling event for all connoisseurs of art. OER reports

Come February, art lovers in the region will be dazzled with a wide-ranging selection of the world’s finest art and antiques, including some of England’s best silver and exquisite glass paintings. ‘Art & Antiques Dubai’, the international art fair, is scheduled to be held from February 21-24, 2008 at the Madinat Arena, Madinat Jumeirah. Leading international art dealers are expected to take part in the fair organised by the Haughton International Fairs Group.

Through Haughton International Fairs, the London based Haughton family organises six major art fairs–in the US, UK, and Middle East. Each is a major international event, bringing together several hundred of the world’s top art dealers and attracting thousands of visitors.

The exhibitors in Dubai will include prestigious names such as Koopman Rare Art from London, internationally recognised as leading specialists in antique silver. “It’s an interesting market to tap,” commented Timo Koopman on the upcoming Middle East fair. He plans to bring ‘the best’ of his stock, which includes work by England’s greatest silversmiths, Paul Storr (1771-1844) and Paul de Lamerie (1688-1751), who were responsible for some of the most important and valuable silver ever produced.

‘Art & Antiques Dubai’ will also feature important examples from decorative arts, including items of Middle Eastern origin. For art enthusiasts particularly interested in works of art illustrating the culture and lifestyle of the Middle East, there will be a selection of Islamic works of art by London dealer Amir Mohtashemi.

Dealers in 20th century decorative arts in general include leading New York dealer, Maison Gerard who will be showcasing lavish painted glass panels specially made by Jean Dupas in 1934 for the famous and newly built ocean-going liner SS Normandie. Benoist Drut of Maison Gerard says these pieces will attract keen interest at the fair because collectors in the Middle East “appreciate style and refinement”.

“We are delighted that the decision to host an art and antiques fair in the Middle East has received overwhelming support from the international art world,” said Giles Haughton, speaking on behalf of Haughton International Fairs. “The Middle East offers enormous possibilities for art dealers, and we are happy to be among the first to arrive during this burgeoning period of art awareness and interest.”

Haughton International Fairs are renowned for providing a fine showcase for art and antiques of the highest calibre at their New York and London fairs, and the Dubai event is also expected to be in the same league. Their reputation is based on the stringent procedures surrounding the selection of works of art for quality and authenticity employed at all Haughton fairs.