INTRODUCING OUR GALLERY ON LONDON’S HISTORIC CHILTERN STREET
Jacques Marie Mage (JMM) proudly announces the opening of its first JMM Gallery in England, located on the historic Chiltern Street in the Marylebone neighborhood of London.
“We fell in love with the space, with Chiltern Ave, with the famous firehouse across the street,” says JMM founder and creative director Jérôme Mage, “but it's a very small space. So, we treated it like a jewel box.”
Offering our signature selection of limited-edition eyewear, leather goods, jewelry, finely curated artifacts and exceptional objects, the London Chiltern Gallery takes a modern approach to the traditional aesthetic of the old-world gentleman’s club, employing the talents of legendary French interior designer Jacques Garcia to bring both authenticity and originality to the project.
“Jacques is one of the only architects and interior designers in the world that can create spaces that feel like they've existed for 200 to 300 years, and at the same time are completely modern and highly intimate,” says Mage . “So, really, he has the same approach to designing spaces that I have with designing glasses.”
Rich in historical-cultural references, the London Gallery reflects the myriad of passions and dedication to artisanal excellence that have shaped all of JMM’s endeavors since its founding. “With an almost futuristic or innovative approach, we go back in time in order to begin a narration at the beginning of the 19th century and invite the discerning collector to join us on our travels,” explains Garcia. “What inspired me was 19th century English literature, philosophers from across the Channel, those British films from the 1950s in black-and-white where mist is omnipresent, and of course the English taste for extremely lively woods – mahogany, for example – and strong colors.”
As with all JMM Galleries, a defining feature of the London location is its foundational furnishings, a suite of custom creations produced by Paris-based furniture design firm Hervet Manufacturier to complement the gallery’s distinctive offerings and custom decor, including a large-scale, multi-piece painting entitled Vanitas Vision, created by Andy Dixon.
“I've been wanting to work with Andy for years,” says Mage. “Again, he's someone that takes classical or historical subjects and motifs, like still life, and re-envisions them with the distinct quality of his lines, his signature color palette, and his odd assemblage of eclectic elements. That's what I love: he creates modern pieces that are deeply informed by a historical perspective.”
The Vancouver-born, Los Angeles-based artist creates bright and opulent works that often riff on Renaissance-era portraiture or Flemish still lifes, integrating odd juxtapositions and electric palettes into colorful canvases that reflect upon the rituals and totems of affluence and privilege.
“My work always samples from art history and I've explored the Vanitas themes many times,” said Dixon. “These pieces mark a breakthrough in how things look, though. They're among the first paintings that have this kind of punk cut-n-paste aesthetic to them and I plan on carrying that into all pieces moving forward.”
An exquisite display of exemplary taste, refined design, and provocative artistry, the JMM Gallery in London embodies an especially sophisticated sense of English eccentricity, yet another rarified experience that encourages collectors to Embrace The Spectacle.
“What is remarkable is the timeless dimension that we have created,” said Garcia. “Once in the gallery, we are at the crossroads of design and history…”
The JMM Gallery in London is located at 20-22 Chiltern St. London W1U7QD, UK. Visit JacquesMarieMage.com for store address, hours, and additional information.
Written by JMM