30.1.10

PRINCE WILLIAM PASSES STAGED AIR CRASH TEST


PRINCE WILLIAM ESCAPED FROM A SCENE OF AN AIRCRAFT WHICH CRASHED UNDER WATER, IN A STAGED ACCIDENT AS PART OF HIS TRAINING AS A SEARCH AND RESCUE PILOT. THE HEIR TO THE THRONE, KNOWN IN THE RAF AS FLT LT WALES, PASSED THE TEST, WHICH INVOLVED A FLIGHT SIMULATOR PLUNGING INTO A FREEZING SWIMMING POOL, 'WITH FLYING COLOURS', INSTRUCTORS SAID. THE PRINCE AND FELLOW RAF STUDENTS HAD TO ESCAPE FROM INSIDE THE SIMULATOR AT THE OFFSHORE SURVIVAL CENTER IN FLEETWOOD, LANCS, AND GET ABOVE WATER BEFORE THEY ALL 'DROWNED'. IT WAS DESIGNED TO REPLICATE THE TREACHEROUS CONDITIONS WHICH HE CAN EXPECT WHEN HE IS QUALIFIED AND PILOTS THE RAF'S SEA KING HELICOPTER ON MERCY MISSIONS OUT AT SEA. THE CENTER, PART OF BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE, BOASTS A FLIGHT SIMULATOR ABOVE A SWIMMING POOL WHICH IS USED TO PROVIDE SURVIVOR TRAINING TO THE ARMED FORCES, MERCHANT NAVY AND OFFSHORE INDUSTRIES. A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COLLEGE CONFIRMED PRINCE WILLIAM HAD PASSED THE TEST AND NOW HE CAN CONTINUE HIS SEARCH AND RESCUE TRAINING AT RAF VALLEY IN ANGLESEY, NORTH WALES. ONCE QUALIFIED HE WILL BE ABLE TO PILOT THE 10-TON SEA KING AND HELP RESCUE STRICKEN SAILORS AND STRANDED MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS. PAULINE WATERHOUSE, PRINCIPAL OF BLACKPOOL AND FYLDE COLLEGE, SAID: 'IT WAS A REAL HONOUR FOR THE COLLEGE TO WELCOME THE PRINCE. I HOPE HE FOUND HIS TIME WITH US TO BE BENEFICIAL FOR HIS FUTURE CAREER.'

PHOTOGRAPHER SPENCER TUNICK TO CREATE NUDE SYDNEY


PHOTOGRAPHER SPENCER TUNICK, FAMOUS FOR CAPTURING HUNDREDS OR THOUSANDS OF NAKED BODIES AGAINST URBAN BACKDROPS, IS PLANNING A PHOTO-SHOOT AT THE HISTORIC OPERA HOUSE IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, DURING THE CITY'S ANNUAL GAY AND LESBIAN MARDI GRAS. TUNICK IS LOOKING FOR UP TO 2,000 VOLUNTEERS TO POSE NUDE FOR HIM 1.MARCH. TUNICK TOLD AUSTRALIAN RADIO RECENTLY THAT HE'S CALLING THIS INSTALLATION 'THE BASE' BECAUSE 'IN A WAY I'M MAKING A BASE FOR THE OPERA HOUSE, A BASE FOR THE ARCHITECTURE, AND BY COMBINING STRAIGHT AND GAY AND LESBIAN PEOPLE I'M WEAVING THE DIFFERENT SEXES AND SOCIETY TOGETHER TO FORM THIS WONDERFUL FABRIC THAT HOLDS UP THIS GORGEOUS BUILDING.'
FOR MORE INFORMATIN ABOUT THE ARTIST AND HIS WORK VISIT www.spencertunick.com

PRINCE CHARLES AND CAMILLA PAY RESPECTS AT WOOTTON BASSETT


THE PRINCE OF WALES AND DUCHESS OF CORNWALL PAID A VISIT TO WOOTTON BASSETT RECENTLY TO THANK THE TOWN FOR ITS UNFAILING SUPPORT FOR THE ARMED FORCES. CHARLES AND CAMILLA BOTH LAID WREATHS AT THE WAR MEMORIAL IN THE WILTSHIRE MARKET TOWN FOLLOWING A SERVICE TO DEDICATE A NEW FLAGPOLE. HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE HAD EARLIER LINED THE STREETS IN MOURNING AS HEARSES CARRYING THE COFFINS OF TWO BRITISH SOLDIERS PASSED THROUGH THE TOWN. LANCE CORPORAL DANIEL COOPER, 21, FROM THE 3rd BATTALION THE RIFLES AND RIFLEMAN PETER ALDRIDGE, 19, FROM THE 4th BATTALION THE RIFFLES, DIED IN SEPARATE INCIDENTS IN HELMAND PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN. THEIR BODIES WERE FLOWN INTO RAF LYNEHAM AND THEIR COFFINS, DRAPED IN UNION FLAGS, PASSED THROUGH THE TOWN HERALDED BY ST BARTHOLOMEW'S CHURCH BELL. CAMILLA, WHO IS COLONIAL IN CHIEF OF RAF ALDRIDGE'S REGIMENT, HAD WRITTEN TO HIS FAMILY, A CLARENCE HOUSE SPOKESMAN SAID. HER WREATH, WHICH HAD RED FLOWERS IN KEEPING WITH THE REGIMENT'S COLOURS, READ: 'WITH DEEPEST GRATITUDE, CAMILLA.' PRINCE CHARLES'S WREATH READ: 'IN GRATEFUL AND EVERLASTING MEMORY, CHARLES.' THE PRINCE OF WALES ENJOYED A GLASS OF WHISKEY AFTER STOPPING OFF AT THE CROSS KEYS PUB TO THANK LANDLADY KIRSTY LAMBERT, WHO REGULARLY LOOKS AFTER BEREAVED FAMILIES ON REPATRIATION DAYS. THEY ALSO MET MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION RIDERS BRANCH WHO ATTEND EVERY REPATRIATION. PRINCE CHARLES TOLD GUESTS AT THE TOWN'S CONSERVATION CLUB: 'MY WIFE AND I HAVE COME HERE TODAY REALLY TO EXPRESS OUR SINCERE AND HEARTFELT GRATITUDE TO THE PEOPLE OF WOOTTON BASSETT FOR THEIR UNSTINTING SUPPORT OF BRITAIN'S ARMED FORCES. YOUR ACTIONS HAVE COME TO SYMBOLIZE OUR NATION'S GRIEF. WE WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS OUR PROFOUND GRATITUDE TO YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT.' THERE HAVE BEEN MORE THAN 100 REPATRIATIONS PASSING THROUGH WOOTTON BASSETT SINCE APRIL 2007, WHEN RUNWAY REPAIRS AT RAF BRIZE NORTON IN OXFORDSHIRE MEANT THAT DEAD SOLDIERS WERE FLOWN INTO NEARBY RAF LYNEHAM INSTEAD. RAF LYNEHAM IS DUE TO CLOSE AT THE END OF 2012, WHEN REPATRIATIONS SHOULD REVERT TO BRIZE NORTON.



AUCTIONS NEAPOLITAN SELLS BLACK FOREST CARVING FOR RECORD $30,590


THERE WAS PLENTY OF BARK AND ONE WINNING 'BITE' AT FLORIDA AUCTION HOUSE AUCTIONS NEAPOLITAN'S ONE ROOM ONLY SALE AS AN EXCEPTIONAL 39 INCH WIDE BLACK FOREST CARVED TABLEAU OF A ST BERNARD DOG AND HER THREE PLAYFUL PUPS CLAIMED TOP-LOT HONORS AT $30,590. ATTRIBUTED TO SWISS ARTIST WALTER MADER, THE CIRCA 1900 CARVING FEATURED REALISTIC FEATHERING TO THE DOGS' COATS, HAND COLOURED LIMBS AND GLASS EYES. THE SUBSTANTIAL 33lb ARTWORK HAD BEEN ESTIMATED AT $6,000-8,000. 'THERE WAS TREMENDOUS INTEREST IN THAT PARTICULAR PIECE', SAID KATHLEEN PICA, OWNER OF AUCTIONS NEAPOLITAN. 'THERE'S A SIZABLE CONTINGENT OF COLLECTORS WORLDWIDE FOR BLACK FOREST PIECES, AND MANY OF THEM WERE BIDDING, NOT ONLY ON THE FLOOR BUT ALSO ON THE PHONES AND VIA THE INTERNET. WHAT WAS UNUSUAL WAS THAT THE BIDDING STAYED STRONG THROUGHOUT, THERE WAS NO LULL OR HESITATION ONCE THE LOT WAS ANNOUNCED.' THE WINNING BID, A MAJOR COLLECTOR OF BLACK FOREST ART FOR THE PAST 30 YEARS, PARTICIPATED BY PHONE FROM HIS HOME IN COLORADO. 'THIS WAS AN INCREDIBLY RARE PIECE, IN BEAUTIFUL CONDITION', THE BUYER REMARKED AFTER THE SALE. 'THERE'S A LARGER ONE IN THE MUSEUM IN BRIENZ, SWITZERLAND, THE TOWN WHERE 2,000 CARVERS LIVED AT THE TURN OF THE CENTURY, AND THERE ARE TWO OTHERS IN SEPARATE PRIVATE COLLECTIONS IN PARIS. THE TWO OWNERS IN PARIS HAVE STATED THAT THEY WILL DIE WITH THEIR PIECES, SO THOSE EXAMPLES ARE COMPLETELY OFF THE MARKET.' THE BUYER ADDED: 'WALTER MADER'S ONLY SUBJECTS WERE DOGS, HE DIDN'T CARVE ANYTHING ELSE. EVEN THOUGH HE NEVER SIGNED HIS WORK, IT'S UNMISTAKABLE. WHEN YOU SEE THE EXPRESSION ON THE DOGS' FACES AND THE FLOW OF THE CARVING, YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHO CARVED IT.' KATHLEEN PICA SAID THE TABLEAU'S CONSIGNOR, A NAPLES-AREA MAN, WAS DELIGHTED WITH THE RESULT, ADDING THAT HE WAS ALSO THE CONSIGNOR OF A TOP LOT IN AUCTIONS NEAPOLITAN'S DECEMBER SALE; A CE DALLIN BRONZE OF AN INDIAN SCOUT ON HORSEBACK THAT SOLD FOR $25,500.

29.1.10

HERMES SPORTS BINOCULARS


IT WAS A HALLMARK OF THE INTERNATIONAL SPORTING SET IN DAYS GONE BY THAT A GENTLEMAN ALWAYS BROUGHT ALONG A PAIR OF FIELD GLASSES IN A FITTED LEATHER CASE WHEN ATTENDING RACE MEETS, HORSE SHOWS AND THE LIKE. NOW ICONIC LUXURY LEATHER GOODS HOUSE HERMES HAS RECENTLY CREATED A BEAUTIFUL PAIR OF LEATHER WRAPPED BINOCULARS THAT ARE THE PERFECT ACCESSORY FOR STYLISH SPORTING EVENTS. THE BINOCULARS ARE LEICA'S COMPACT, SUPER-SHARP ULTRAVID MODEL FROM THEIR SPORTS OPTICS COLLECTION AND ARE WRAPPED IN HERMES' SIGNATURE SADDLE LEATHER WITH HAND-STITCHED LEATHER CARRYING STRAP, THEY'RE PRICED AT $2,500 AND ARE AVAILABLE AT HERMES BOUTIQUES WORLDWIDE.

ELDERLY COUPLE DISCOVER THEIR UMBRELLA STAND IS A £500,000 ANTIQUE



LIKE MOST OF THE HOUSEHOLD CLUTTER AMASSED OVER THE YEARS, IT SAT IN A SPARE ROOM FORGOTTEN COLLECTING DUST. SLIGHTLY CRACKED AND STAINED WITH AGE, THE CHINESE VASE WAS USED TO STORE A FEW OLD UMBRELLAS. BUT 50 YEARS AFTER THEY WERE GIVEN IT AS A PRESENT, IT OWNERS DISCOVERED THAT THE VASE WAS WORTH AN ESTIMATED £500,000, MORE THAN THE VALUE OF THEIR HOME. AUCTIONEER MATHEW DENNEY SAW PAST A CRACK IT HAD IN THE PORCELAIN AND THE FACT IT HAD BEEN SPLASHED WITH EMULSION PAINT. FURTHER RESEARCH SHOWED THE BLUE AND WHITE PIECE FOUND IN THE PURBECK AREA OF DORSET WAS AN IMPERIAL VASE AND ALMOST CERTAINLY MADE FOR THE EMPEROR QIANLONG IN ABOUT 1740. ALTHOUGH IT IS THOUGHT TO BE WORTH AS MUCH AS £500,000, ITS VALUE COULD HAVE BEEN DOUBLE THAT PRICE HAD IT NOT BEEN DAMAGED. GUY SCHWINGE, FROM DUKES AUCTION HOUSE IN DORCHESTER, SAID THE COUPLE HAD BEEN GIVEN THE VASE AS A PRESENT AND WHEN IT IS SOLD IT COULD CHANGE THEIR LIVES. 'THE VENDORS HAD OWNED IT FOR 50 YEARS BUT HAD NO IDEA WHAT IT WAS. THEY HAD RELEGATED IT TO A SPARE BEDROOM WITH OTHER ITEMS OF FURNITURE. MY COLLEAGUE MATTHEW DENNY SPOTTED IT DURING A ROUTINE VALUATION. THERE IS EVIDENCE THAT IT HAD BEEN USED AS AN UMBRELLA STAND AND THERE IS ALSO A POSSIBILITY THAT IT ONCE BELONGED TO THE FAMILY OF FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE. THE VASE EXEMPLIFIES THE BEST OF THE PERIOD.' THE ARTWORK ON THE VASE SHOWS A LANDSCAPE OF MOUNTAINS WITH TREES AND A HOUSE AND IS THOUGHT TO BE UNIQUE. THE BASE OF THE VASE BEARS AN IMPERIAL REIGN MARK AND, UNUSUALLY, THE UPPER BODY HAS AN IMPRESSED MARK IN CHINESE SCRIPT WHICH HAS BEEN TRANSLATED AS 'PRECIOUS THING'. IT IS NOT KNOWN WHEN THE VASE CAME TO BRITAIN, BUT IT HAS BEEN CONNECTED WITH EMBLEY COURT IN HAMPSHIRE, WHERE FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE'S FAMILY LIVED. THE STUNNING AND UNIQUE VASE IS SCHEDULED TO BE AUCTIONED 11.FEBRUARY AT DUKE'S AUCTION HOUSE.

HERMES L'HEURE H BOUGANVILLIER


HERMES NEWEST TIMEPIECE PAYS TRIBUTE TO LOUIS ANTOINE DE BOUGAINVILLE, THE FAMOUS EXPLORER WHO MESMERIZED MANY WITH HIS FINDINGS FROM BRAZIL, TAHITI AND MAURITIUS. AMONG HIS FINDINGS WAS A SMALL SHRUB, WITH DELICATE LEAVES OF A DEEP, BRIGHT PINK SHADE, WHICH LATER BECAME KNOWN AS THE BOUGAINVILLE. THE HERMES TIMEPIECE, NAMED THE L'HEURE H BOUGANVILLIER PLAYS WITH THE HUES AND SHADES OF THE BEAUTIFUL SHRUB. THE STUNNING SHADE OF THE TIMEPIECE REFLECTS THE COLOURFUL LANDSCAPES AND CHEERFUL FEELINGS THAT ARISE ON THE SIGHT OF SUCH SCENIC BEAUTY. A SHINY PINK LEATHER STRAP, ENGAGES THE CASE, WHOSE CONTOURS TRACE THE ICONIC INITIAL LETTER H OF THE HOUSE OF HERMES. THE BEZEL IS ADORNED WITH 64 SPARKLING BRILLIANT CUT DIAMONDS, WHILE ALL THE NUMBERS ARE BLACK LACQUER SAVE FOR THE NUMERALS 2 AND FOUR WHICH ARE IN A BOLD PINK, MATCHING THE COLOURFUL BEAUTY OF THE BOUGAINVILLE SHRUB.

CHOCOLATE WONDERLAND TO OPEN IN CHINA



A NEW WILLY WONKA 'CHOCOLATE WONDERLAND' THEME PARK IS DUE TO OPEN ON THE OLYMPIC GREEN, NEAR THE BIRD'S NEST STADIUM IN BEIJING,CHINA, NEXT WEEK. THE 215,000 SQUARE FOOT AMUSEMENT PARK WILL USE ABOUT 80,000 KILOGRAMS OF VARIOUS KINDS OF CHOCOLATE, IMPORTED FROM BELGIUM AND IT WILL INCLUDE ELABORATE CHOCOLATE DISPLAYS INCLUDING CHOCOLATE VERSIONS OF CHINA'S FAMOUS TERRACOTTA WARRIORS, TRADITIONAL CEREMONIAL ROBES MADE FROM VARIOUS COLOURED CHOCOLATE AND A 12 METER LONG REPLICA OF THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA, DONE IN CHOCOLATE BRICKS AND WHITE CHOCOLATE MORTAR. THE THEME PARK DISPLAY WILL INCLUDE DEMONSTRATIONS AND TASTINGS, AND WILL LAST FOR THREE MONTHS UNTIL THE WEATHER GETS A BIT TOO WARM. THE CHOCOLATE ITEMS WILL BE DISPLAYED AT FIVE TEMPERATURE-CONTROLLED INDOOR AREAS AND TWO OUTDOOR SITES WITH NAMES LIKE 'THE WORLD'S CHOCOLATE HALL', 'WONDERLAND THEME HALL', 'SWEET EXPERIENCE HALL' AND 'SWEET SHOPPING STREET'.




28.1.10

BRITAIN'S MOST ACCIDENT-PRONE STREET IS BUBBLE WRAPPED




THE MOST ACCIDENT-PRONE STREET IN BRITAIN HAS BEEN GIVEN THE ULTIMATE SAFETY BLANKET, 1,500 SQUARE METERS OF BUBBLE WRAP. CARS, GATES, BINS, LAMP POSTS AND EVEN GARDEN GNOMES WERE WRAPPED IN THE CUSHIONING FILM TO HIGHLIGHT THE DANGERS OF DRIVING IN WINTER. ACCORDING TO A CAR INSURANCE COMPARISON WEBSITE, HOMES IN SOMERVILLE ROAD, WORCESTER, GENERATE THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF ACCIDENT CLAIMS IN THE WHOLE OF THE UK. THE STREET, WHICH HAS BEEN DUBBED 'ACCIDENT AVENUE', HAS HAD AROUND TEN CLAIMS A YEAR FOR TEN YEARS, WHICH FOR A SMALL STREET, MADE RESIDENTS THE MOST ACCIDENT-PRONE DRIVERS IN THE COUNTRY. THE PUBLICITY STUNT WAS SET UP BY CONFUSED.COM AND TOOK EIGHT MEN MORE THAN 12 HOURS TO COMPLETE, TO CONVEY THE FULL MESSAGE OF 'SAFETY FIRST'. ONE SOMERVILLE ROAD RESIDENT, WHO DIDN'T WISH TO BE NAMED, SAID IT WAS A SHOCK TO SEE ALL THE HOUSES WRAPPED UP. HE SAID: 'I LIVE JUST UP FROM THE HOUSES THAT WERE WRAPPED UP SO THE SIGHT OF THEM ALL COVERED UP TOOK ME A BIT BY SURPRISE. THEY HAVE WRAPPED ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING IN PLASTIC, IT LOOKS STRIKING. I THINK IT IS A REALLY AMUSING IDEA, ALTHOUGH I DON'T KNOW HOW LONG IT WILL BE UNTIL SOMEONE STARTS POPPING THE BUBBLES.' WILL THOMAS, HEAD OF CONFUSED.COM'S MOTOR INSURANCE DIVISION, SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT TO WAR DRIVERS ABOUT THE CONDITIONS BROUGHT ON BY ENGLAND'S RECENT SEVERE WINTER WEATHER. 'THE RECENT FREEZING TEMPERATURES HAVE TURNED ROADS ACROSS THE COUNTRY INTO TREACHEROUS TERRITORY AND WITH THE UNSETTLED WEATHER EXPECTED TO CONTINUE, MOTOR INSURANCE IS EXPECTED TO SOAR', HE SAID. 'IN TIMES OF NEED WE BUBBLE WRAP ALL OUR LITTLE BREAKABLES TO KEEP THEM SAFE AND SOUND, SO WHY NOT A WHOLE STREET?' IT IS ALSO BUBBLE WRAP'S 50th ANNIVERSARY THIS WEEK, WHICH WILL BE CELEBRATED WITH THE TENTH ANNUAL 'BUBBLEWRAP APPRECIATION DAY'.

HERMES' NEW FRAGRANCE VOYAGE D'HERMES


VOYAGE D'HERMES IS THE NEWEST SCENT FROM FRENCH LUXURY DESIGN HOUSE HERMES AND IS INSPIRED BY TRAVELING AND CREATED BY THEIR HEAD PERFUMEUR JEAN-CLAUDE ELLENA. VOYAGE D'HERMES IS A UNISEX FRAGRANCE AND HAS A FRESH MUSKY WOODY SCENT. IT COMES IN A SPECIALLY DESIGNED BOTTLE INSPIRED BY A MAGNIFYING GLASS AND FEATURES AN ALUMINUM COVER WHICH SWIVELS AROUND TO REVEAL THE SPRAY AND ACTS AS A STAND. VOYAGE D'HERMES WILL BE AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM HERMES BOUTIQUES STARTING NEXT MONTH

KITCHEN SINK CADILLAC TO BE SOLD AT ARIZONA AUCTION



A STUNNING COLLECTION OF VINTAGE CARS BEING OFFERED FOR AUCTION BEGINNING LAST WEEK IN ARIZONA BOASTED AROUND 2,500 ICONIC BEAUTIES RANGING FROM ONE-OFF DESIGN STUDIES BY AUTOMAKERS, RACE-CARS THAT TOURED THROUGH THE INTERNATIONAL CIRCUITS AND VEHICLES ONCE OWNED BY RENOWNED CELEBRITIES. BUT ONE UNIQUE CAR MANAGED TO STEAL THE SHOW WAS THE MAHARANI SPECIAL CADILLAC WHICH IS ESTIMATED TO FETCH $150,000 TO $200,000 AT THE AUCTION. THE CAR WAS BUILT BY GENERAL MOTORS FOR ITS 1956 MOTORAMA SHOW, A TRAVELING EXHIBITION OF EXTRAVAGANT DREAM CARS AND THE LATEST IN AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY. GM BUILT FOUR CADILLAC CONCEPTS IN THE 1956 AND THE MAHARANI IS THE SOLE SURVIVOR. THE CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH ALL THE CONVENIENCES OF HOME, THE PASSENGER SEAT IS REPLACED BY A NUMBER OF CULINARY APPLIANCES, INCLUDING A TOASTER, REFRIGERATOR, HOT PLATE, CUTLERY HOLDER AS WELL AS A KITCHEN SINK. NO WONDER THIS CAR IS MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE KITCHEN SINK CADILLAC AMONG COLLECTORS. ALTHOUGH IN GREAT DRIVING CONDITION, MOST OF ITS APPLIANCES ARE IN DIRE NEED OF RESTORATION.

HALCYON GALLERY PRESENTS BOB DYLAN ON CANVAS


AN UPCOMING SHOW OF BOB DYLAN'S ART AT THE HALCYON GALLERY IN LONDON WILL SHOW THAT, AFTER YEARS OF MAKING STUNNING IMPRESSIONISTIC DRAWINGS IN HIS DOWNTIME, THE MUSIC LEGEND HAS FINALLY SET OUT TO PAINT HIS MASTERPIECES. CONSISTING OF A DOZEN ACRYLIC PAINTINGS, THE FIRST OF DYLAN'S RECENT FORAYS ONTO CANVAS TO BE EXHIBITED, THE NEW WORK IS BASED ON DRAWINGS FROM THE 'DRAWN BLANK SERIES', WHICH THE SINGER MADE AT THE OUTSET OF HIS SO-CALLED NEVER ENDING TOUR, BETWEEN 1989 TO 1992. SET TO OPEN 13.FEBRUARY, 'BOB DYLAN ON CANVAS' WILL THEN TO TRAVEL IN SEPTEMBER TO TEH NATIONAL GALLERY IN DENMARK, WHERE ANOTHER, LARGER EXHIBITION OF HIS NEW PAINTINGS WILL ALSO DEBUT AT THE STATENS MUSEUM FOR KUNST THIS FALL.

27.1.10

QUEEN ELIZABETH II TO ADDRESS TO UNITED NATIONS IN JULY


QUEEN ELIZABETH II WILL BE ADDRESSING THE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MORE THAN 50 YEARS DURING A JULY VISIT TO NEW YORK, THE BRITISH MISSION TO THE WORLD BODY SAID FRIDAY LAST. THE 83 YEAR OLD MONARCH AND HER HUSBAND, PRINCE PHILIP, WILL ARRIVE IN NEW YORK ON 6.JULY AFTER MAKING A NINE-DAY VISIT TO CANADA AND LEAVE LATER THE SAME DAY, IT SAID IN THE STATEMENT. THE LAST TIME THE MONARCH, WHO HAS BEEN ON THE THRONE FOR 58 YEARS ADDRESSED THE UNITED NATIONS ASSEMBLY WAS IN 1957. SHE IS ADDRESSING THE BODY IN HER CAPACITY AS THE HEAD OF STATE OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND 15 OTHER UN MEMBER STATES: ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA, AUSTRALIA, THE BAHAMAS, BARBADOS, BELIZE, CANADA, GRENADA, JAMAICA, NEW ZEALAND, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS, SAINT LUCIA, SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES, THE SOLOMON ISLANDS AND TUVALU. SHE IS ALSO HEAD OF THE COMMONWEALTH, AN ASSOCIATION OF 54 COUNTRIES, MOSTLY FORMER BRITISH COLONIES.

MACON COUNTY HISTORY MUSEUM ACQUIRES LINCOLN CHAIR


A CENTRAL ILLINOIS MUSEUM HAS ADDED ITS FIRST SIGNIFICANT ARTIFACT LINKED TO ABRAHAM LINCOLN. THE MACON COUNTY HISTORY MUSEUM IN DECATUR RECENTLY UNVEILED A UNIQUE SPINDLE-BACK, CANE-SEAT CHAIR LINCOLN USED IN HIS SPRINGFIELD LAW OFFICE. LOCAL RESIDENTS CAROLYNN AND ERIC DEVORE DONATED THE CHAIR. THEY SAY IT'S BEEN IN THEIR FAMILY SINCE LINCOLN GAVE IT TO AN ANCESTOR IN 1861. ERIC DEVORE SAYS LINCOLN GAVE EIGHT CHAIRS AND A COUCH TO HIS GREAT-GREAT GRANDFATHER. DEVORE BELIEVES HIS GREAT-GREAT GRANDFATHER WORKED AS A CUSTODIAN IN LINCOLN'S OFFICE. DEVORE SAYS THE FAMILY STILL HAS ONE OF THE CHAIRS. THE COUCH WAS DONATED TO THE LINCOLN HOME IN SPRINGFIELD IN THE 1950s.

WHITE HOUSE VALUE DROPS BY $15.5 MILLION


EVEN THE WHITE HOUSE ISN'T IMMUNE TO THE DECLINE IN THE NATIONAL HOUSING MARKET, THE FAMED AMERICAN PRESIDENTIAL MANSION IN WASHINGTON DC PLUMMETED IN VALUE BY $15.5 MILLION TO $292.5 MILLION OVER THE PAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO A NEW STUDY BY REAL ESTATE SITE ZILLOW. THIS MARKS THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW THAT THE CLASSIC LANDMARK'S VALUE HAS DECLINED, MAKING FOR A TOTAL LOSS OF AN ESTIMATED $39.5 MILLION, MEANING IT WAS ONCE WORTH $332 MILLION. DESIGNED BY IRISH ARCHITECT JAMES HOBAN, BUILT IN 1792 AND MUCH IMPROVED AND EXPANDED SINCE, THE GATED RESIDENCE AT 1600 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE NOW STANDS AT 55,000 SQUARE FEET AND SITS ON 18 LANDSCAPED ACRES. IT ALSO HAS 132 ROOMS INCLUDING 16 BEDROOMS, 35 BATHS, THREE KITCHENS, THREE ELEVATORS, 28 FIREPLACES AND AN UNDERGROUND BUNKER.

CARTIER'S POKER SET


ICONIC LUXURY JEWELER CARTIER HAS RECENTLY CREATED A STUNNING NEW POKER SET FOR AVID POKER PLAYER. THE BOLD AND SUMPTUOUS CREATION IS DECORATED IN A CLEAN ART DECO RED AND BLACK THEME, WITH A LINING OF BLACK ALCANTARA WHICH HOLDS TWO EMBEDDED CARD SETS, 360 CHIPS IN FIVE COLOURS AND 5 DICES, ALL EMBLAZONED WITH THE CLASSIC CARTIER LOGO. THE CARTIER POKER SET IS PRICES AT $10,100 AND IS SURE TO BECOME A COLLECTORS ITEM.

26.1.10

LAKE MAGGIORE BUGATTI LEADS BONHAMS AUTOMOBILIA SALE


THE BUGATTI TYPE 22 THAT HAD LAIN SUBMERGED 53 METERS BELOW THE SURFACE OF LAKE MAGGIORE FOR OVER 70 YEARS HAD ATTRACTED MUCH PRE-SALE PUBLICITY. A NUMBER OF TELEPHONE BIDDERS SPARRED AGAINST THOSE IN THE SALE-ROOM. THE WINNING BID, A EUROPEAN COLLECTOR REPRESENTING THE PETER MULLIN COLLECTION IN CALIFORNIA, WILL SHOW THE CAR IN ITS PRESENT CONDITION IN HIS MUSEUM, WHEREAS THE UNDER-BIDDER, AN AMERICAN CLASSIC-AUTO COLLECTOR HAD INTENDED TO RESTORE THE CAR.
THE ANDALUSIAN COLLECTION FROM SPAIN FETCHED €3,175,000 WITH 20 OUT OF 27 MOTOR CARS SELLING. THE AUTOMOBILIA SECTION ALWAYS DELIVERS A SURPRISE AND LOT 49, A PAIR OF PERIOD ROLLS-ROYCE BOOKENDS, SOLD FOR €19,225, SOME 10 TIMES THE PRE-SALE ESTIMATE. JAMES KNIGHT, GROUP HEAD OF BONHAMS' MOTORING DEPARTMENT SAID: 'I AM PLEASED THAT BONHAMS HAVE DELIVERED ANOTHER GOOD SALE AT RETROMOBILE. THE PARTNERSHIP OF BONHAMS AND RETROMOBILE ORGANIZATIONS ENSURE WE CAN PRESENT A WORLD CLASS AUCTION FOR A WORLD CLASS EVENT. THE LAKE MAGGIORE BUGATTI WAS A TREMENDOUS RESULT AND I AM PLEASED IT HAD GONE TO A GOOD HOME WHERE IT WILL BE DISPLAYED IN ITS PRESENT FORM.'

CLUMSY ART LOVER LEAVES A SIX-INCH GASH IN £80 MILLION PICASSO PAINTING


AN ART LOVER WAS LEFT RED-FACED RECENTLY AFTER SHE RIPPED AN £80 MILLION PICASSO PAINTING WHEN SHE ACCIDENTALLY FELL AGAINST IT. THE WOMAN WAS VISITING THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART, NEW YORK, WHEN SHE 'LOST HER BALANCE' AND CRASHED INTO THE ARTWORK, CAUSING A SIX INCH GASH. THE PAINTING, CALLED 'THE ACTOR', DEPICTS A GAUNT MALE FIGURE IN A PINK COSTUME ON STAGE AND WAS COMPLETED IN 1905. IT WAS HANGING IN A SECOND-FLOOR GALLERY AMONG A DISPLAY OF THE SPANISH ARTIST'S EARLY WORKS. THE WOMAN WAS UNINJURED, SAID MUSEUM SPOKESMAN ALYSE TOPALIAN. THE PAINTING RECEIVED A VERTICAL TEAR IN THE LOWER RIGHT HAND CORNER, A MUSEUM STATEMENT SAID. IT HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THE GALLERY AND TAKEN TO THE MUSEUM'S CONSERVATION STUDIO FOR 'ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT', THE STATEMENT ADDED. BECAUSE THE TEAR OCCURRED IN THE LOWER PORTION OF THE CANVAS, THE REPAIR IS EXPECTED TO BE UNOBTRUSIVE. THE CANVAS WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE 'PICASSO IN THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART' EXHIBITION, FEATURING 250 WORKS, SCHEDULED TO RUN 27.APRIL THROUGH 1.AUGUST. THE SIX-FOOT TALL PAINTING SIGNALED A SIFT FROM HIS EARLIER BLUE PERIOD TO HIS MORE VIBRANT AND EMOTIONAL ROSE PERIOD. THE FAMILY OF WALTER P CHRYSLER DONATED THE PAINTING TO THE MUSEUM IN 1952.

25.1.10

LEONARDO DA VINCI'S REMAINS TO BE EXHUMED


THE REMAINS OF LEONARDO DA VINCI ARE TO BE EXHUMED BY A GROUP OF SCIENTISTS WHO PLAN TO RECONSTRUCT HIS FACE TO DISCOVER WHETHER HIS FAMED MASTERPIECE, THE MONA LISA, IS A SELF-PORTRAIT IN DISGUISE. A TEAM OF HISTORIANS AND SCIENTISTS FROM ITALY'S NATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE, HAS REQUESTED THAT HIS TOMB AT AMBOISE CASTLE IN THE LOIRE VALLEY BE OPENED. ANTHROPOLOGIST GIORGIO GRUPPIONI, HOPES THE PROJECT WILL THROW NEW LIGHT ON THE RENAISSANCE PAINTER'S MOST CELEBRATED PORTRAIT. 'IF WE MANAGE TO FIND HIS SKULL, WE COULD REBUILD LEONARDO'S FACE AND COMPARE IT WITH THE MONA LISA', HE SAID. DA VINCI WAS ORIGINALLY BURIED IN A CHURCH THAT WAS DESTROYED IN THE FRENCH REVOLUTION OF 1789 AND HIS REMAINS WERE THEN REBURIED IN THE CASTLE'S SMALLER CHAPEL OF SAINT-HUBERT IN 1874. THEY LIE BENEATH AN INSCRIPTION THAT DESCRIBES THEM AS 'PRESUMED' TO BE THE MASTER'S. THE HEAD OF THE ITALIAN TEAM, SILVANO VINCENTI, SAID THE FIRST STEP WOULD BE TO ASCERTAIN IF THE REMAINS ARE THAT OF LEONARDO'S. THE TEAM WILL USE CARBON DATING AND COMPARE DNA SAMPLES FROM THE BONES AND TEETH TO THOSE OF MALE DESCENDANTS IN BOLOGNA, ITALY. DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN FRENCH CULTURAL OFFICIALS AND THE OWNERS OF THE CHATEAU HAVE RESULTED IN AN AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPLE AND THE PLANS COULD RECEIVE A FORMAL GO-AHEAD THIS SUMMER. MYSTERY HAS SURROUNDED THE IDENTITY OF THE MONA LISA FOR CENTURIES. SCHOLARS HAVE IMPLIED THAT DA VINCI'S PRESUMED HOMOSEXUALITY AND LOVE OF RIDDLES LED HIM TO PAINT HIMSELF AS A WOMAN. SPECULATION ON THE SITTER HAS ALSO RANGED FROM LISA GHERARDINI, THE WIFE OF A FLORENTINE MERCHANT TO LEONARDO'S MOTHER. NICHOLAS TURNER, A FORMER CURATOR OF DRAWINGS AT THE GETTY MUSEUM, SAID: 'IT SOUNDS A BIT FANCIFUL, SLIGHTLY MAD, AS IF THE LEONARDO BUG HAS TAKEN HOLD TO FIRMLY IN THE MINDS OF THESE PEOPLE. IF LEONARDO HEARD ABOUT ALL THIS, HE'S HAVE A GOOD CHUCKLE.' THE PROJECT HAS ALSO AROUSED CONTROVERSY FROM LEONARDO SCHOLARS WHO BELIEVE HIS REMAINS SHOULD BE LEFT ALONE AND THE SELF-PORTRAIT THEORY IS A MYTH.

VEUVE CLICQUOT TRANSIT GOGGLES


VEUVE CLICQUOT IS CELEBRATING THE UPCOMING WINTER OLYMPICS WITH A SPECIAL LIMITED EDITION VEUVE CLICQUOT TRANSIT GOGGLES, FOR THOSE COLD WINTRY DAYS. THE GOGGLES ARE MADE BY SMITH AND ARE EMBLAZONED WITH THE ICONIC VEUVE LOGO. THEY WERE CREATED TO CELEBRATE VEUVE'S ANNUAL CLICQUOT IN THE SNOW, IN EVENT IN ASPEN, COLO, BUT ARE NOW ALSO BEING VETTED FOR THE WINTER OLYMPICS. THE STUNNING GOGGLES WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE END OF FEBRUARY AT VEUVE DEALERS WORLDWIDE FOR AN ESTIMATE $105.

PRINCE HARRY MOVES IN WITH CHELSY DAVY FOR WEEKEND STAYS


PRINCE HARRY HAS RECENTLY MOVED INTO HIS GIRLFRIEND CHELSY DAVY'S £1.5 MILLION LONDON APARTMENT, USING IS AS HIS WEEKEND BASE, ACCORDING TO VARIOUS REPORTS. THE 24 YEAR OLD ZIMBABWEAN HAS REPORTEDLY GIVEN PRINCE HARRY A SET OF KEYS TO HER THREE-BEDROOM BELGRAVIA APARTMENT. THE PRINCE WAS SAID TO BE A REGULAR AT THE APARTMENT AT WEEKENDS UNTIL SHE LEFT THE COUNTRY TO GO ON HOLIDAY IN DECEMBER. 'HARRY WOULD STAY AT CHELSY'S EVERY WEEKEND, AND HIS PROTECTION OFFICERS MOVED IN AS WELL', A SOURCE TO THE MAIL ON SUNDAY. 'THE APARTMENT HAS THREE DOUBLE BEDROOMS. CHELSY AND HARRY SHARE THE MASTER SUITE AND THE TWO SPARE ROOM ARE ALWAYS MADE UP IN CASE HER FAMILY COME OVER TO STAY. THEY WOULD THROW HOUSE PARTIES FOR FRIENDS AND HARRY WAS HELPING CHELSY DO THE PLACE UP. HE HAD QUITE A LOT OF STUFF THERE AND SAID HE PREFERRED BEING THERE TO CLARENCE HOUSE, WHICH IS NOT WHAT YOU WOULD EXPECT OF A PALACE. IT'S ACTUALLY SMALL AND WHEN WILLIAM AND KATE MIDDLETON STAY THERE, IT'S REALLY CRAMPED.' HARRY AND CHELSY REKINDLED THEIR ROMANCE IN SEPTEMBER AFTER SPLITTING JANUARY LAST. THE PAIR ARE BELIEVED TO HAVE SPENT NEW YEAR IN MAURITIUS TOGETHER WITH CHELSY'S PARENTS CHARLES AND BEVERLY AND HER BROTHER SEAN. DAVY RECENTLY DEFERRED A JOB AT CITY LAW FIRM ALLEN & OVERY SO SHE CAN GO TRAVELING UNTIL THE SUMMER.

CHRISTIE'S TO OFFER LARGEST OLD MASTER PAINTING EVER AT SALE


FOLLOWING THE RECORD-BREAKING SUCCESS OF ITS OLD MASTER & 19th CENTURY ART SALE IN DECEMBER LAST IN LONDON, CHRISTIE'S WILL PRESENT ITS FLAGSHIP NEW YORK SALE OF OLD MASTER & 19th CENTURY PAINTINGS, DRAWINGS AND WATERCOLOURS IN A TWO-PART SALE ON 27.JANUARY. THE EXTRAORDINARY SALE OF OVER 320 WORKS PRESENTS THE BEST EXAMPLES OF EUROPEAN ART FROM THE 15th TO THE 19th CENTURY, AND FEATURE MASTER WORKS AND RECENT REDISCOVERIES FROM LUCAS CRANACH THE ELDER, JAN BRUEGHEL II, THOMAS GAINSBOROUGH AMONG OTHERS. THE TOTAL SALES OF THE AUCTION ARE EXPECTED TO ACHIEVE IN EXCESS OF $48 MILLION.
AT OVER TWENTY FEET IN WIDTH, LE PONT SUR LE TORRENT, WHICH IS ESTIMATED AT $2-3 MILLION, BY THE 18th CENTURY FRENCH MASTER HUBERT ROBERT IS ONE OF THE LARGEST OLD MASTER PAINTINGS EVER TO BE SOLD AT CHRISTIE'S NEW YORK. THE VAST PAINTING, WHICH DEPICTS A WILD TORRENT OF ROARING WATERS DESCENDING INTO A WATERFALL BELOW AN ARCHED STONE BRIDGE, WAS ORIGINALLY COMMISSIONED BY THE DUC DE LUYNES FOR THE DINING ROOM OF HIS OPULENT PARIS TOWNHOUSE. SUBSEQUENT OWNERS INCLUDE THE AMERICAN NEWSPAPER BARON WILLIAM RANDOLPH HEARST, WHO INSTALLED THE PAINTING AND ITS EQUALLY MASSIVE MATE LA CASCADE IN HIS BEACHFRONT CASTLE IN SANDS POINT, LONG ISLAND. THOUGH THE PAIR WAS SEPARATED IN LATER YEARS, LE PONT SUR TORRENT SURVIVE IN ITS ORIGINAL STATE AS A MASTERPIECE OF DECORATIVE PAINTING WITH A DOMINATING PRESENCE THAT IS NEARLY CINEMATIC IN EFFECT. GIVEN ITS IMMENSE SIZE, THE CANVAS WILL BE STRETCHED ON-SITE AND INSTALLED IN CHRISTIE'S ROCKEFELLER CENTER GALLERIES, THE FIRST TIME IN MORE THAN 50 YEARS THAT THE PAINTING WILL BE PUBLICLY DISPLAYED.

24.1.10

SOTHEBY'S SELLS 18th CENTURY SILVER PUNCH BOWL FOR RECORD $5.9 MILLION


A NEW AUCTION RECORD FOR AMERICAN SILVER WAS SET RECENTLY AT SOTHEBY'S, NEW YORK, WHEN A SILVER PUNCH BOWL BY CORNELIUS KIERSTEDE, MADE IN NEW YORK BETWEEN 1700 AND 1710, SOLD FOR AN ASTONISHING $5,906,500. WITH A PRE-SALE ESTIMATE OF $400/800,000 AUCTIONEER DAVID REDDEN OPENED THE BIDDING AT $275,00 AND ALMOST INSTANTLY A BID FOR $500,000 WAS CALLED OUT BY IAN IRVING OF IAN IRVING LTD. AS MANY AS SIX DIFFERENT BIDDERS RAISED THEIR PADDLES, BUT AT AROUND $3 MILLION THE BATTLE WAS REDUCED TO TWO DETERMINED CLIENTS, AN ANONYMOUS GENTLEMAN SEATED IN THE ROOM AND NEW YORK DEALER SJ SHRUBSOLE. THE COMPETITION CONTINUED FOR SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE THE WINNING BID WAS CAST BY THE ANONYMOUS PURCHASER IN THE ROOM; BRINGING THE GAEL DOWN TO A ROUSING APPLAUSE. THE FINAL PRICE OF $5.9 MILLION IS MORE THAN SEVEN TIMES THE PREVIOUS RECORD FOR AMERICAN SILVER, AND IS THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE PAID FOR ANY PIECE OF SILVER AT AUCTION.
THE BOWL HAS DESCENDED IN THE FAMILY OF COMMODORE JOSHUA LORING, WHOSE STATELY HOME IN JAMAICA PLAIN, MASSACHUSETTS, THE LORING-GREENOUGH HOUSE, HAS BEN PRESERVED AS AN HISTORIC SITE. A ROYALIST, LORING ABANDONED HIS RESIDENCE IN AUGUST 1774 TO TAKE REFUGE IN BOSTON, AND THE FAMILY EMIGRATED TO LONDON IN 1776. ACCORDING TO TRADITION, THE BOWL WAS HIDDEN IN A WELL ON THE PROPERTY DURING THE REVOLUTION. RETRIEVED BY THE FAMILY, IT DESCENDED QUIETLY WITH THEM TO ENGLAND, COMPLETELY UNKNOWN, UNTIL THE OWNERS SENT A GRAINY PHOTOGRAPH TO SOTHEBY'S LONDON SILVER DEPARTMENT IN MARCH 2009. THE PUNCH BOWL WAS INCLUDED IN SOTHEBY'S SALE OF IMPORTANT AMERICANA. THE PREVIOUS AUCTION RECORD FOR AMERICAN SILVER WAS $775,750, PAID FOR BOTH THE RICHARD AND ALICE BRACKET CUP, AN AMERICAN SILVER WINE CUP, BY JOHN HULL AND ROBERT SANDERSON, SR, BOSTON, CIRCA 1660, SOLD FROM THE COLLECTION OF QUINCY CHURCH AT SOTHEBY'S IN JANUARY 2001, AND A SUPERB EARLY AMERICAN SILVER TWO-HANDLED GRACE CUP AND COVER, BY JOHN CONEY, BOSTON, CIRCA 1715, ALSO DESCENDED WITH A ROYALIST FAMILY IN ENGLAND AND SOLD AT SOTHEBY'S IN JANUARY 2002.

PIAGET JAZZ PARTY COLLECTION


AS PART OF THEIR STUNNING LIMELIGHT COLLECTION LUXURY WATCH MAKER PIAGET HAS RECENTLY RELEASED A NEW COLLECTION INSPIRED BY JAZZ MUSIC AND IS NAMED 'THE JAZZ PARTY COLLECTION'. THE CENTERPIECE OF THE COLLECTION IS THE JAZZ SECRET WATCH INSPIRED BY THE KEYS OF THE PIANO. THE WATCH IS MADE UP OF BAGUETTE AND BRILLIANT CUT DIAMONDS AND BAGUETTE BLACK DIAMONDS MAKING UP THE BLACK KEYS. THE DIAL IS HIDDEN MAKING THE WATCH SEEM MORE LIKE A BRACELET AND IS REVEALED BY SLIDING AWAY PART OF THE KEYBOARD.