Re: The Ermitage

[Forum Admin]

not sure what "citations" you mean for sure, but "l'Ermitage" is French for "The Hermitage" so I assume you mean the museum.

[Scott]

I think there used to be a small store/museum/display in London called Ermitage.

[Robert_Hall]

Which book is this cited in ?

[Belochka]

There is a branch of the Hermitage Museum in London on Strand.

From memory it did not carry the French appellation, but were simply called the Hermitage Rooms, which are not large. They were part of the Institute of Art.

There was a Russian book and gift store associated with this assemblage.

[Robert_Hall]

That was at Somerset House, was it not? I think it was just a temporary exhibit [well, a LONG temporary exhibit, as I recall].

[Belochka]

I was only a mere tourist, so I do not remember the name of the building in which The Hermitage Rooms were housed.

They were located on the ground floor, and I understood that they have rotating exhibitions, which came from Russia. I gained the impression that it was a permanent arrangement.

It was a miniature version of the real Hermitage, with the vibrant painted walls and parquetry floors.

[Scott]

My reference was to a small "store" in London that closed probably 10 years ago - not the Somerset House.  I used to have the address.  I'll try to locate it.

[Scott]

Here are a couple of references:

http://www.faberge-exhibition.com/collectcredits.html

http://www.object-id.com/final/08-list-dealers.html

[Robert_Hall]

Yes, the Somerset House has the Hermitage Rooms, rotating exhibits. I think they are closed now, but a new exhibit is opening soon- Catherine the Great & St.P. 300 years I think.
There was also a shop in Kensington, some years ago, the Winter Palace. He specialised in Imperial Russian antiques, especially ikons but Faberge as well.

[Belochka]

Hi Robert,

Do you know why the Hermitage Rooms closed? I am surprised to hear this, with all the effort put into that area. Such a shame!

[Robert_Hall]

I am sure they are just closed to get ready for a new exhibition.
Best,
Robert

[Belochka]

Thanks Robert for letting me know.

[Robert_Hall]

For anyone interested, the Heritage rooms at Somerset House are exhibiting a collect of post-revolution  Russian porcelaine. These are the very same porcelaine factories that made the much coveted Imperial  stuff. Now, It does not matter WHAT your ploitics, if you are interested in moderne  [art deco] porcelaine this is an eye opener. I, for one, do not care for the lines & decoration, but that has nothing to do with the work itself. Quality is superb and I would bet a big sleeper on the collectors market. From what I gather not much of the early stuff made export.
Interesting that the deisgners were allowed to be "modern" instead of being confined to the classical designs. Most European houses stayed with those old  styles, since nouveau did not sail vey far-in sales that is.
Also, for the REALLY fabulous, although not Russian, on exhibit is ESTERHAZY treasures. As far as I know probably the pre-eminent Hungarian family and LOADED. Another Sultan's trove of jewels et al.
London, as usual is it's congested self, crowded tube at rush hour giving a different familiar Smells of xmas" lasre lights on Oxford street and some really great book buys- well, costly, but great nonehteless.
Cheers,
Robert
oh- Wartski#s tomorrow, a different story.