Collectors and lovers of art, antiques and design from around the world are currently gathering for the sophisticated celebration of craftsmanship and creativity that is Masterpiece London 2016.

The fair, which offers museum-quality works of art and design for sale – or simply to admire – runs until 6 July at the Royal Hospital Chelsea and has won a legion of fans including Savills, which once again is proud to be an affiliate sponsor. But before the wraps came off this year’s sumptuous array, there was a great deal of work to be done. Lawrence Hendra, Associate Director at art dealers Philip Mould & Company, offers a peek behind the scenes.

How far in advance do you start preparations for the show?

LH: We begin to focus our attention on Masterpiece at the begining of May. As well as the obvious decisions that need to be made such as what to display, we also need to decide how to display them. As the visual standard of the fair increases year on year, and as the tastes within our market shift towards the highly decorative, we must constantly be thinking of the best way to present our stock.

This year we have employed the services of Louisa Grey, a leading international interior consultant and stylist who, along with our stand designers, has come up with some very exciting concepts of display and design. This process can take time and expense but we consider it a priority.

How do you decide what you’re going to take to the fair?

LH: We are dealers and all dealers are opportunists. The truth is we only have a rough idea of what we will display each year and this changes on a weekly basis until only a few days before the fair opens.

We do try, where possible, to keep a few choice things back for the fair – this year, for example, we have a very glamorous portrait of George IV by Sir Thomas Lawrence painted c.1814. Lawrence was the leading painter of his day and the master of swagger, so we knew the portrait would turn a few heads. We are also displaying a portrait by John Constable of one of his sons – it’s a highly charged depiction painted towards the end of the artist’s life and is wonderfully sketchy and energetic.

What is the most interesting item you have seen at Masterpiece?

LH: Masterpiece is a very varied fair and covers a vast number of disciplines. However, if I had to pick one thing, it would undoubtedly be the old Spitfire that was on display in the central area during the first fair in 2011.

Which aspect of the fair do you find most appealing?

LH: I like the fact that the fair is open until late. Although you may be exhausted after only a few days in, there is an unmistakable feeling of calm that descends after a certain time in the evening. The whole thing becomes much more laid-back and relaxing, which is what many potential buyers prefer.

And the least?

LH: I don't like having to dismantle the stand at the end. It’s the worst feeling of ‘Monday blues’ imaginable, and you know that the only thing waiting for you back at the gallery is a day of unpacking and desperately trying to remember where you put everything.

How can visitors get the most out of the fair?

LH: I recommend they allow at least an afternoon to look around properly. There is so much to see and you want to make sure you cover as many of the major items as possible. There are also plenty of lovely places to eat: good food, art and antiques – what more could you want?

Further information

Full details from Masterpiece London 2016