Masterpiece London

Visitors entering the fair were greeted by a large-scale installation by the British sculptor Phyllida Barlow, presented in partnership with Hauser & Wirth. The work set a striking tone for the event, signalling Masterpiece’s distinctive ability to place historical works alongside contemporary practice within a single environment. With 150 exhibitors — including twenty-two new participants — the fair presented a broad survey of art, design, furniture and jewellery spanning antiquity through to the present day.

For its stand, Gladwell & Patterson collaborated with the renowned design house Fromental, whose specialist craftsmanship provided a distinctive setting for the gallery’s presentation of paintings. A silk wallcovering, hand-embroidered with butterflies, was created specifically for the stand and carefully composed around each framed work. The resulting interior balanced richness of material with visual restraint, allowing the paintings to remain the focus while creating a setting that complemented their character. The collaboration reflected a shared attention to craftsmanship and a commitment to materials of exceptional quality.

The selection of paintings on display reflected the breadth of the gallery’s programme, bringing together artists linked by their engagement with place, atmosphere and narrative. Works by Henri Le Sidaner formed a central element of the presentation. His carefully observed scenes of gardens, streets and interiors demonstrate a refined treatment of light and tone, offering moments of quiet reflection within the energy of the fair. Le Sidaner’s paintings reward close viewing, encouraging a slower encounter with landscape and domestic space.

Paintings by Helen Bradley introduced a contrasting perspective rooted in memory and storytelling. Her distinctive visual language evokes scenes of Edwardian life remembered from childhood, populated by familiar characters and everyday events. While direct in style, Bradley’s paintings carry considerable emotional resonance, blending personal recollection with a broader portrait of community life in northern England.

The display was further enriched by works from Gustave Loiseau, whose position between Impressionism and Post-Impressionism is evident in his animated treatment of landscape. Through energetic brushwork and a vibrant palette, Loiseau’s paintings capture the movement and structure of the natural world, creating a dynamic presence within the stand and establishing a dialogue with the quieter works nearby.

Completing the presentation were paintings by David Shepherd. Known for his depictions of wildlife and steam locomotives, Shepherd’s work introduced themes of conservation, heritage and industry. His paintings combine strong draughtsmanship with a clear narrative focus, reflecting an enduring engagement with subjects that continue to resonate with contemporary audiences.

Together, the works presented by Gladwell & Patterson at Masterpiece London offered a considered reflection of the gallery’s wider programme — a dialogue between artists, traditions and perspectives brought together within one carefully crafted setting.