We were delighted to be featured in the 3 July 2021 edition of the Antiques Trade Gazette, in an article marking the 90th anniversary of John Mitchell Fine Paintings and our summer exhibition of British and European paintings, pastels and drawings.
Founded by John Mitchell in London in 1931, the gallery has specialised in traditional British and European paintings for three generations. The Antiques Trade Gazette highlighted the approach established by our grandfather, whose background in picture conservation gave him a hands-on approach to art dealing and enabled him to impart to his clients a comprehensive understanding of the processes involved in the creation of the works he sold.
This emphasis on the physical condition, conservation and study of paintings continued with the next generation and remains an important part of the way we work today. As James Mitchell explained in the article: “We pride ourselves on the fact that not only do we research and write about our paintings, but that we are equally happy to hang and light them in clients’ homes as well as help with the cleaning, restoration and repairs: an academic grasp of paintings balanced by practical know-how.”
To celebrate our 90th anniversary, we held a special summer exhibition at our Mayfair gallery in Brook Street, showcasing British and European paintings, pastels and drawings from the seventeenth to the late nineteenth centuries. Featured artists included Alfred Stevens (1823–1906), Giuseppe Recco (1634–1695) and Jacob van Ruisdael (c.1628–1682). The exhibition was accompanied by a fully illustrated edition of Gallery Notes, our publication first launched in the 1950s.
Among the works highlighted by the Antiques Trade Gazette was L’Ours blanc, ou Le Repos du Modèle by Belgian painter Alfred Stevens (1823–1906), depicting a reclining model on a polar bear skin.
The feature, Exhibitions roll back the years by Gabriel Berner, appeared in the Dealers’ Diary section of the Antiques Trade Gazette.
View the full publication here