Runjeet Singh, Rob Dean Art and Kent Antiques host Indian & Islamic Week London from October 16-25 in Gallery Eight, Duke Street, St James’s.
Singh, who specialises in Eastern arms and armour, said: “Previously this has been the sole domain of the big auction houses. The reason we wanted to do this is the fact the clientele that come to the auctions at the end of October are significant, including museums and collectors, and we want to provide something for them when they visit.”
Spare room
He said that although he remains heavily involved in Asian Art in London (AAL), which runs from October 31-November 9, he believed there is room for an Islamic and Indian-focused event.
Singh added: “Asia Week in New York [September 6-14] caters for Chinese, Islamic, south east Asian and Indian art but here in the UK the auction weeks are separate. AAL in London is after the major Islamic Week auctions so we decided to do something ourselves.
“The initiative is just three dealers this year but we have already had others keen to join for next year. We will see what the response is and perhaps next year it will turn into something bigger.”
Singh will continue his exhibition in Gallery Eight for AAL. Rob Dean Art, which specialises in Himalayan, central Asian and Indian art, will move to Grosvenor Gallery for AAL.
