London South West, UK - 'IT was a golden elegant evening of elegant sculpture and elegant people,' Peter Hone said after the opening by Lloyd Grossman of Hilary Chelminski's latest exhibition 'The Golden Age of Sculpture' subtitled 'Masters in Marble - Britain and Europe 1720 -1890' on Thursday evening 6 November 2003.
'The marble busts and sculptures were set off like meringues on gold doilies against the sumptuous gold leafed panelling with inlaid mica from the Dalai Lama's bedroom. Lloyd Grossman was pulled in owing to his latest incarnation as chairman of the Public Sculpture and Monuments Association, formerly Save Our Sculpture - S.O.S. I arrived halfway through Mr Grossman's opening speech, so I am not sure what he thought of the exhibition, though he was fulsome on sculpture as a whole, encouraging people to look at it and appreciate the qualities of marble for a change - its tactileness, solidity and plasticity.'
'Of course, there was a frisson as collectors, dealers, lovers and museumy people mingled together eating crisps from Kentian bowls in London's smallest gallery of national importance. From an academic I heard the 'all dealers are crooks' comment, to which I commented 'they were' to the discomfort of nearby trade ne'r do wells. I am now critique,' said Peter Hone, eschewing the depths of his dealing past.
Hilary Chelminski said, 'It was a fabulous evening. Lloyd Grossman did the honours - in the classical sense. He has done TV programmes on sculpture, without dumbing down and has a talent for bridging academic fine art and customers, clients and ordinary people. Despite the postal strike meaning that most did not receive their invititations, some very very interesting people did manage to come, and doubtless more come during the exhibition.'
The Golden Age of Sculpture, 3 Nov - 19 Dec 2003, viewing by appointment, Chelminski Gallery, 616 Kings Road, London SW6 2DU. Tel 020 7384 2227. Email hilary@chelminski.com [Images copyright Chelminski
