British Vogue - 10.2019

MAIN PHOTOGRAPH: SIMON UPTON

E

very October, artists, gallerists,

dealers and collectors from around

the world gather in London for the

annual Frieze art fair. Regent’s

Park is taken over by vast tents, containing

many millions of pounds’ worth of art, from

contemporary marvels to Old Masters.

Although the city’s celebration of visual

art reaches a peak during Frieze week, it

has long been a popular base for those who

move in creative circles. Different districts

have particular associations: Chelsea was

historically the old artists’ quarter, while

today’s young artists are more likely to

gravitate towards the flourishing art scene in

the East End. Mayfair has long been the hub

for the great commercial galleries, many of

which have been in the area for generations,

and it is still a focal point for the city’s

international art scene.

Here, you can find Sotheby’s, the famous

auction house, which has sold everything

from drawings by da Vinci to a self-

destructing painting with a built-in shredder

by Banksy. The Royal Academy is close by –

the institution is home to both students and

practising artists, while its famous Summer

Exhibition preview party is one of the

highlights of London’s social calendar.

For centuries, Mayfair has been one of

the most exclusive addresses in the capital,

and a coveted spot for a pied-à-terre. This

tradition has been continued with the recent

completion of Twenty Grosvenor Square,

one of the most ambitious new developments

in the capital. Built on the site of the former

European headquarters of the US navy,

it comprises 37 apartments, designed by

Finchatton and serviced by Four Seasons.

Inspired by the area’s grand Georgian past,

the building has classically inspired rooms

with soaring ceilings and high sash windows

that overlook the leafy garden square.

Moving into the heart of the West End,

between Covent Garden and the Royal

Courts of Justice, a striking artwork has

DRAWING

INSPIRATION

As art lovers arrive in London for Frieze,

Rosemary Brooke looks at properties to captivate creatives,

both in and around the capital

BRITAIN PROPERTY

TWENTY GROSVENOR SQUARE, W1

Grosvenor Square has been home to royalty,

actors and artists, and this new development is

built to palatial proportions. The 37 apartments

range from three to five bedrooms, and shared

facilities include a spa, gym and a 25-metre

swimming pool. From £17.5 million.

Twenty Grosvenor Square: 020 3019 0630

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