Lévy Gorvy celebrates the spirit of the esteemed tastemaker Sir Joseph Duveen (1869–1939), whose former premises at 22 Old Bond Street is now their London gallery. Lord Duveen, My Pictures Never Look So Marvellous As When You Are Here will be a modern interpretation of a Duveen-style hang, pairing prominent modern and contemporary artists with exceptional pieces of midcentury furniture to create an environment ideal for the restful contemplation of exquisite works of art. Works will be featured by artists including Terry Adkins, Diane Arbus, Alighiero Boetti, Alberto Burri, Alexander Calder, Gego, Yves Klein, Seung-taek Lee, Roman Opalka, Kazuo Shiraga, Pierre Soulages, Pat Steir, and Günther Uecker.
In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the Duveen family became the preeminent international connoisseurs of fine painting and sculpture, establishing a veritable art empire. What began as an antiques dealership in Hull, England, selling Chinese porcelain, French furniture, and tapestries grew to include galleries across London, New York, and Paris. When Joseph Duveen took the helm of the business in 1898, his astute taste and canny understanding of the American industrialists’ desire to become paragons of culture as well as industry saw the Duveen influence expanded further. Bringing Old Master artworks and European culture across the Atlantic, Duveen was instrumental in building some of the most important collections of the twentieth century, including those of Henry Clay Frick, J. P. Morgan, and J. Paul Getty.
During Frieze Week, Lévy Gorvy will host a cocktail bar each evening from 6-8pm, beginning Tuesday 2 October through Friday 5 October. During the day, a barista will serve coffees from 10am-6pm from Tuesday 2 October to Sunday 7 October, encouraging visitors to spend more time with inspiring art and design in a modern-day salon.
As part of Lévy Gorvy’s dedication to presenting multidisciplinary events, two performances by NOVA Guitar Duo will be held at the gallery in conjunction with the exhibition on Thursday 29 November 2018, from 6-8pm.
Lead image: Yves Klein, Untitled Pink Sponge Sculpture 1959
| Duration | 28 September 2018 - 12 January 2019 |
| Times | TUESDAY–SATURDAY 10AM–6PM |
| Cost | Free |
| Venue | Levy Gorvy |
| Address | 22 Old Bond Street, London, W1S 4PY |
| Contact | 4402036965910 / info@levygorvy.com / http://www.levygorvy.com/ |