Masterpiece Fair

Franses lent two major works to the new Masterpiece Fair, held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea.

This new fair, embracing traditional and contemporary art, was held for the first time in the grounds of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea.  The fair was a great success.

Franses lent two major works to Masterpiece Fair: the first an early renaissance tapestry, The Griffin Allegory, formerly from the collection of Randolph Hearst – the companion tapestry can be seen at Hampton Court – the second work, The St Giles Carpet, an historic Axminster carpet, one of only a handful of first rank carpets still in private hands.

Simon Franses chaired the Expert Committee on textiles, carpets and tapestries