Also known as a perpetual calendar, they were usually used to mark the yearly rhythm of agrarian societies in the northern latitudes. There is also evidence to suggest they worked as form of Post-it note for personal messages and anniversaries.
Needing less decryption than runes and following a 21st century schedule, the Robert Young show will run from June 20-July 6. The exhibition titled Simply… features over a hundred pieces of folk and naïve art, sculpture and vernacular furniture. A fully illustrated catalogue of over 50 of the selected exhibits will accompany the show.
Scandinavian rune stick, c.1700, £5500.
The gallery had been a consistent presence at every Masterpiece since its inception, so after that fair’s surprise closure last year, it made plans to fill the ensuing gap. The firm decided to capitalise on its central London location and curate an exhibition on home turf.
Gallery director Florence Grant told ATG: “We exhibited again at the New York Winter Show in January this year and participation at major art fairs remains part of our exhibition strategy going forward. We haven’t ruled out joining Treasure House at some time in the future, but for now we decided it best to build on the success of last year’s event and to install and curate a collection of recent acquisitions, much as we did at Masterpiece.”
On offer this summer is an oil on canvas domestic equestrian portrait depicting Grey Weighton and Pickles with two dogs in a stable, initialled for W Barraud (1810-56), at £12,500.
Oil on canvas domestic equestrian portrait depicting Grey Weighton and Pickles, with two dogs in a stable, £12,500.
Hogging the limelight slightly at £7500 is a late 19th century French hand-carved and painted wood fairground carousel pig. Attributed to Gustave Bayol (1858- 1931) with provenance to the Tussauds Collection, it was previously with Lord and Lady Bangor.
Sitting comfortably among the livestock renditions is a West Country Windsor chair in ash and elm. With stylised vase splat and saddled seat dated to c.1770, it is available for £6500.
West Country Windsor chair in ash and elm, c.1770, £6500.
Grant added: “Mid-June is always a busy time in London and particularly here in Battersea, where the Royal College of Art holds its degree shows, directly opposite our space. With Treasure House only a mile away, we benefited from local, national, and international visitors spinning off both these events. Many visited us here for the first time, on top of our regular clientele.”
Simply is at Robert Young Antiques, 68 Battersea Bridge Road, SW11 3AG.
