Culture & Languages

In the 21st Century climate change is an inescapable, but hard to face aspect of our world. From rising sea levels to melting glaciers and rising temperatures, scarcely a day goes by when we are not confronted by a discussion about climate change. However, in our day to day lives, the immediate impact of climate change can be hard to see (many of us do not live near glaciers or notice the tiny yet devastating yearly changes in temperature that effect our planet).

Recently, the artworld has been dazzled by the sale of Claude Monet’s 1890 painting ‘Meules’. The artwork was sold in an astonishing eight minutes for an eyewatering $110.7million, breaking records for the most an impressionist work has ever sold for. Interestingly, professionals are describing the sale as a ‘bargain’ in comparison to previous sale records – so what are the most expensive artworks ever sold, and what makes them so valuable?

Brimming with magnificent palaces, sumptuous streets and lavish architecture, Vienna is an ideal city to escape into a world of luxury and opulence.  Whether you are a seasoned Art buff or simply a tourist with an appreciation for the finer things, this beautiful Austrian city has something to offer everyone. I was lucky enough to visit last month and have noted some of my favourite places to visit.

Alchemy’s fine art team were delighted to attend the opening exhibition of Qu Leilei’s Echoes at 3812 Gallery in London last month. Echoes is on display from 29th January to 9th March 2019 and if you haven’t visited already make sure you do, it is not to be missed! 

Having worked closely with the 3812, it was fantastic to finally visit the new London location and meet with the Directors behind its transformation, Calvin Hui and Mark Peaker. Thank you very much for the invite!   

Damaged Paintings and the Art of Restoration

Art Authenticity and Attribution

The authenticity of any artwork is questionable. Is it an original? Is it a copy? Who can it truly be attributed to? These factors become more questionable the further back in art history we travel. This might be due to loss of documentation, the nature of style within artistic movements or forgery.

The topic of cuts to Arts funding has been rife within UK news recently. With Arts an already underfunded sector within government spending, the dent in the budget is certain to cause problems not only for the industry directly but also for recruitment and careers within the Artworld.

As 2017 draws to a close and the Art World gets ready for the next year of Art Fairs, Exhibitions and Gallery Openings, it seems fitting to reflect on some of the successes the Art World has experienced over 2017.