Get to know the people and personalities that make the BADA, as we delve into their businesses, passions, and insights on buying and collecting. Through a series of interviews, we uncover their stories and discover what drives them in the world of art and antiques.
Patrick Duffy (left) & Cheska Hill-Wood (right)
Established in 1963, David Messum Fine Art is a name that has long held a powerful reputation as one of the country’s leading art galleries, not only a pioneer in the field of British Impressionism and the Newlyn and St Ives Schools, but also a specialist in exhibiting contemporary British art and sculpture. The gallery also provides a comprehensive service to collectors and clients supporting and advising on conservation, restoration and framing. Below is an interview with Cheska Hill-Wood, Head of Sales at David Messum Fine Art, and the gallery's Sales and Archivist, Patrick Duffy.
(Interview with Cheska Hill-Wood)
Could you tell us about your favourite piece currently in your stock and what makes it special?
My star piece at the moment is from our March exhibition of paintings from the estate of Jean-Marie Toulgouat. It is entitled Profusion de Lys which he painted in 1970. He spent most of his career restoring the house and gardens at Giverny and was hugely inspired by the abundance of flowers and planting that surrounded him. It is a large work that would look absolutely stunning above a mantlepiece in an elegant drawing room, I can visualise it perfectly, I just wish I had the space! We change our shows every month so I am extremely lucky to work amongst an ever changing ‘lust list’. Each month I mentally bankrupt myself!
How did you first discover your love for fine art and antiques? And had you always wanted to work in the industry, or did you have a career change?
I grew up surrounded by wonderful works of art: paintings, sculpture, objects, furniture and in a family who were passionate about creativity. I was fascinated by all the objects that were around me. I don’t remember ever being bored as a child. It was inevitable, I suppose, that I would end up in a creative world of some description and I initially went to art school, followed by drama school whereupon I became an actress for many years, but my love of art was always present.
Could you tell us your three top tips for buying and collecting antiques?
Only ever acquire works that you love – it’s a cliché perhaps, but so true. There needs to be a visceral connection. It’s difficult to explain why you love something, but the ‘why’ doesn’t matter. What is important is that you can’t live without it. If, when you leave a gallery, the picture doesn’t leave you then you know you should buy.
Could you tell us about a recent visit to a gallery, exhibition or fair you have visited and enjoyed?
I went to Tate Britain to see "Sargent and Fashion" and was totally blown away by the scale of it – the number of paintings in the show as well as the size of some of the pictures. It’s breathtaking. His skill at capturing the richness of the fabrics worn by his sitters is unsurpassed. It was particularly interesting for me as we represent the Estate of Wilfrid de Glehn who was Sargent’s painting companion, so to see the similarities in some of the portraits was inspirational. I am obsessed with Tate Britain – the building and the exhibitions. Even during the lockdowns, I had to cycle passed it to ‘get my fix’ in lieu of being able to visit.
What is a common misconception about the world of art and antiques?
That we are elitist or that you shouldn’t come in to a commercial gallery unless you are planning to buy something. We are delighted to welcome visitors to our St James’s gallery. It’s wonderful to be able to discuss an exhibition or artist with people. We don’t want to be on our own all day! There is such an incredible wealth of dealers in this area that you can spend all day seeing the most varied works and learning so much. I think I speak for everyone in the area, when I say the doors are always open (even if you do have to ring a bell!)
(Interview with Patrick Duffy)
Could you tell us about your favourite piece currently in your stock and what makes it special?
My favourite piece we will be exhibiting in the summer exhibition, ‘British Impressions’, by Newlyn painter, Harold Harvey. Called ‘The Fishing Wharf, Newlyn’, it has been in private hands for decades and was previously unrecorded. Being able to bring unseen works to the market is always exciting as it gives you the opportunity to be the first to research the work and to add to the artist’s history.
What would you say has been your biggest personal achievement in your career in fine art & antiques so far?
My biggest achievement personally has been being able to work closely with the paintings by the artist, Gluck. Mercurial and incredibly talented, Gluck’s paintings are highly desirable, not simply because of their stunning graphic realism, but for their quality, and for the personal and historical context in which they were produced.
How did you first discover your love for fine art and antiques?
Art, for me, is all about telling stories. Every object tells a story and if it doesn’t, then something has gone terribly wrong for the artist.
How did you first get involved in the industry?
Serendipity. I left university with a view to work in a gallery, started interning at The Fine Art Socity and that was it.
If you weren’t a dealer, what would you be?
I’d probably own a pub.
Could you tell us your three top tips for buying and collecting antiques?
Buy what you love. Shop around, and do your homework but don’t trust everything you see on Artnet.
Could you tell us about a recent visit to a gallery, exhibition or fair you have visited and enjoyed?
The last exhibition I was truly effected by was ‘Invisible: Art about the Unseen 1957-2012’ at the Hayward Gallery in 2012. I’ve never been more disturbed.
What would you say is needed to be a successful dealer?
Common sense goes a hell of a long way in this industry.
What is a common misconception about the world of art and antiques?
I think it is sad that people still perceive west London galleries to be a closed world. We like to remind people that everyone is welcome at the gallery in St. James’s and we try to offer a variety of art works for all to enjoy seeing and not just to buy. The trade have an amazing opportunity to create new research and build upon art history from first hand contact with artworks and that is what we are seeing more of.
Who do you admire in the world of art and antiques and why?
Sadly they are no longer with us, but Charles and Lavinia Handley-Read were an inspirational, and highly influential collecting duo who fused their passion for art and research together in a way very few people are able to claim to do, even today.
What is your favourite appearance of an antique in a film, play or book?
The Dale Chihuly vase in the American sitcom, Fraser. It was the most expensive item on set and needed to be locked in a vault after shooting each scene in Fraser’s flat. I like random pieces of trivia like that.
What events have you got coming up and where can we next view your stock?
Currently we are working hard on our Summer exhibition of British Impressionist and Newlyn School pictures, however, before that, we have a new show of work by Matthew Alexander. His views of the Southeast coast will fill the gallery with a sense of light and wanderlust just in time.
Who would be your dream dinner party guests, dead or alive?
There are too many to think about, but if you sat me down in the dining room of the Chelsea Arts Club in the 1890s, I’d be pretty happy.