News in brief including a new name for two Paris antiques fairs

Grand Palais Ephémère in Paris.

Image: Patrick Tourneboeuf / Tendance floue

20 Mar 2023

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Combined French fairs unveil name

French fairs Fine Arts Paris and La Biennale have a new name after merging last year. They have relaunched as FAB Paris.

The pair held the first staging as a merged event last year at the Carrousel du Louvre from November 9-13, 2022.

This year, FAB Paris will be held at Grand Palais Ephémère from November 21-26, hosting 110 galleries.

Dates announced for Asian art fest

Asian Art in London (AAL) has revealed dates for its 26th edition. The events will take place in the summer as well as its usual autumn staging.

Repeating its summer debut last year, it will host events from June 28 to July 1 including exhibitions in central London galleries as well as a programme of talks and lectures.

The autumn event will take place from October 19 to November 4 with a focus on Indian and Islamic Art from October 19-28 and a spotlight on East Asian Art from October 26 to November 4.

AAL has renewed its partnership with South Kensington arts hub Cromwell Place.

It also announced its new board member, Nicole Schoeni, who recently relocated to London from Hong Kong.

Jewellery stolen from Sussex centre

Jewellery stolen from Emporium Antiques Centre in Lewes.

Police have appealed for help to track stolen jewellery from an East Sussex antiques centre.

A collection of rings and brooches was taken from Emporium Antiques Centre on Cliffe High Street, Lewes, at around 3.30am on February 16.

Investigating officers are asking people to get in touch if they are offered or recognise any of the items.

Contact Sussex Police by calling 101 quoting serial 157 of 06/12 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Northumberland theft

Among the silver items stolen from Corbridge Antiques Centre was this George II silver cream boat, hallmarked for London 1749.

Separately, in Corbridge, Northumberland, Georgian and Victorian silverware was taken from a dealer’s unit in Corbridge Antiques Centre. The theft occurred between March 4-5.

Anyone with information should contact Northumbria Police using its ‘Tell Us Something’ page of its website or by calling 101 quoting crime reference number 028143T/23.

Mail Boxes Etc buys Pack & Send UK

Logistics and delivery firm Mail Boxes Etc’s parent company MBE Worldwide has bought Pack & Send UK. It made the purchase through its affiliate firm World Options Holdings Limited. MBE already owned Australian firm Pack & Send Systems, the franchiser of Pack & Send, which it bought in 2021.

Pack & Send UK, trading since 2009 as a master licensee with a network of franchisees, will continue to operate as an independent company within the UK.

MBE, which is privately owned and headquartered in Italy, operates under three brands: Mail Boxes Etc., Pack & Send and World Options. All MBE companies operating in the UK will retain their respective business concepts and brands.

Marshall joins Keys auction house

Angela Marshall of Keys.

Angela Marshall has joined Keys as valuer and jewellery specialist. Previously at Bonhams and Cheffins, Marshall will work on the Norfolk auction house’s Jewellery, Watches and Silver sales as well as relaunch its Fashions & Textiles sales.

Brookes makes a Cumbrian move

David Brookes has joined Mitchells.

After 17 years at the 1818 saleroom in Kendal, auctioneer and valuer David Brookes has left to join Mitchells in Cockermouth.

Working from his home in Windermere, Brookes will represent Mitchells in the south Lakes and wider area including the Furness Peninsula, north Lancashire and into the Yorkshire Dales. He plans a series of valuation days in the area in due course.

In Numbers

16.97

Thelunar meteorite offered at Heritage Auctions.

Image: Heritage Auctions

The weight in kilos (37.42 pounds) of a huge lunar meteorite coming to auction at Heritage in Dallas on March 31. Found by camel shepherds in Mali, it is estimated at $800,000.