News

BELGIAN dealer and international interior designer Axel Vervoordt made a big splash in Paris during the 21st Biennale, but although he had a stand at the grand fair his real showstopper was outside in a 44 metre industral barge moored on the opposite bank of the Seine facing the Carrousel du Louvre.

On October 1 – 40 years to the day since he first joined Christie’s to work at their front desk – the company’s international chairman Lord Hindlip, 62, announced his retirement, effective from December 31.

The Victorian House Book, by Robin Guild pubished by Sheldrake Press. ISBN 1873329393 £30hb

John Moyr Smith 1839-1912: A Victorian Designer, by Annamarie Stapleton, published by Richard Dennis Publications. ISBN 0903685841 £18sb (ISBN 0903685876 £22hb)

CRAFTS traditionally have not had a very design-led image, smacking more of leather sandals and worthy little woodcarvings than contemporary objects of imagination and flair.

Members of the Society of Fine Art Auctioneers are being asked to vote by post this month on far-reaching proposals which could significantly change the nature and power base of the society.

York Art Gallery have just scrapped admission charges. The gallery houses 600 years of internationally important British and European works of art including painting by Bellotto, Hockney, Hepworth and York-born William Etty.