Q&A: Galerie Mestdagh
09 May 2024
“Treasure House Fair has this je ne sais quoi, which makes it unique.”
After 10 years exhibiting at Masterpiece, Galerie Mestdagh - founded by Ondine and Patrick Mestdagh - is once again swapping its home in Sablon, the antiques district of Brussels, for London as it returns to The Treasure House Fair this summer.
For over 30 years, Galerie Mestdagh has focused on works of art, jewellery, rare objects, contemporary art and objects, all united by Ondine and Patrick’s shared appreciation of exquisite design. Their dedication to choosing only the items they fall in love with during their many travels results in an extraordinary selection of objects from outside Europe, from Oceania to Africa, from South-East Asia and Japan to North America.
Exploring these different cultures, Ondine and Patrick like nothing better than to mix beauty with functionality, and you can discover the treasures of Mestdagh for yourself from 27 June - 2 July 2024.
An Elema mask, Made from Cane, plant fibre, barkcloth, pigments, human hair. Papuan Gulf, New Guinea.
Courtesy of Patrick & Ondine Mestdagh.
Why are you participating in this year’s The Treasure House Fair?
For the past decade our gallery has taken part in an event in June in London. Ten participations at Masterpiece made us realise the attraction of London to a vast international audience: fairs, exhibitions, gallery activities, sports events - all of it makes London unmissable at this time of the year… It’s therefore the logical choice to carry on with it.
The Treasure House Fair also has this je ne sais quoi, which makes it unique.
What are a few highlight works your business is bringing to the fair?
We will be presenting the thematic exhibition ‘l'Oeil’, with the following introduction:
In a world where expressions can transcend words, the eyes are windows to the soul.
It is our pleasure to share a series of curated objects from the Five Continents that contemplate behind the gaze; prompting a collective reflection of beauty that is encapsulated in our inner selves.
Brussels-based photographer Gilles Lorin brings these objects to life, appreciating the silent conversations that unfold through their eyes.
A rare carved wood armchair, after a model by Vasilii Petrovich Shutov, Russian Empire circa 1870.
We will also be presenting other objects from five continents, including a rare Russian wooden armchair, attributed to Vasily Petrovich Shutov, in moulded and carved oak with trompe l'oeil decoration of stylised motifs. The rounded back is engraved with a motto in Russian which translates to "the more carefully you drive, the faster you'll arrive"; the armrests are in the shape of an axe; and the seat is adorned with a pair of carved wooden gloves, engraved with rosettes.
A similar piece was part of Pierre Bergé's collection, and is kept in his dacha.
And finally, what advice would you give to people visiting the fair for the first time?
Allow yourself more time in town to enjoy The Treasure House Fair and everything London in summer has to offer.
After 10 years exhibiting at Masterpiece, Galerie Mestdagh - founded by Ondine and Patrick Mestdagh - is once again swapping its home in Sablon, the antiques district of Brussels, for London as it returns to The Treasure House Fair this summer.
For over 30 years, Galerie Mestdagh has focused on works of art, jewellery, rare objects, contemporary art and objects, all united by Ondine and Patrick’s shared appreciation of exquisite design. Their dedication to choosing only the items they fall in love with during their many travels results in an extraordinary selection of objects from outside Europe, from Oceania to Africa, from South-East Asia and Japan to North America.
Exploring these different cultures, Ondine and Patrick like nothing better than to mix beauty with functionality, and you can discover the treasures of Mestdagh for yourself from 27 June - 2 July 2024.
An Elema mask, Made from Cane, plant fibre, barkcloth, pigments, human hair. Papuan Gulf, New Guinea.
Courtesy of Patrick & Ondine Mestdagh.
Why are you participating in this year’s The Treasure House Fair?
For the past decade our gallery has taken part in an event in June in London. Ten participations at Masterpiece made us realise the attraction of London to a vast international audience: fairs, exhibitions, gallery activities, sports events - all of it makes London unmissable at this time of the year… It’s therefore the logical choice to carry on with it.
The Treasure House Fair also has this je ne sais quoi, which makes it unique.
What are a few highlight works your business is bringing to the fair?
We will be presenting the thematic exhibition ‘l'Oeil’, with the following introduction:
In a world where expressions can transcend words, the eyes are windows to the soul.
It is our pleasure to share a series of curated objects from the Five Continents that contemplate behind the gaze; prompting a collective reflection of beauty that is encapsulated in our inner selves.
Brussels-based photographer Gilles Lorin brings these objects to life, appreciating the silent conversations that unfold through their eyes.
A rare carved wood armchair, after a model by Vasilii Petrovich Shutov, Russian Empire circa 1870.We will also be presenting other objects from five continents, including a rare Russian wooden armchair, attributed to Vasily Petrovich Shutov, in moulded and carved oak with trompe l'oeil decoration of stylised motifs. The rounded back is engraved with a motto in Russian which translates to "the more carefully you drive, the faster you'll arrive"; the armrests are in the shape of an axe; and the seat is adorned with a pair of carved wooden gloves, engraved with rosettes.
A similar piece was part of Pierre Bergé's collection, and is kept in his dacha.
And finally, what advice would you give to people visiting the fair for the first time?
Allow yourself more time in town to enjoy The Treasure House Fair and everything London in summer has to offer.