The AXA Art Review is a round-up of the last 12 months’ events from AXA Art, as well as some fascinating stories from our clients and business partners. These have been volatile times, but not all have suffered, as we hear from Deborah Gage in her review of the art market’s results in ‘What Price the Art Market’ (pages 24-26).

Whilst the art market still broadly outstrips many of the world’s stock markets for investment returns, some pockets have not fared so well.

It is a great time for collectors, perhaps, with a return to quality and rarity – Alison Myners is interviewed by AXA Art’s own in-house surveyor and art expert, Andrew Davies (pages 6-11). I’m always fascinated to learn what makes collectors tick, what their inspirations are and the stories behind the works. In the interview with David and Lucy Abel Smith (pages 18-21) you’ll come across some real gems. I won’t spoil it but there’s a toad in there somewhere.

Read about our new musical instruments cover on pages 16-17, then go behind the scenes with Rupert Harris, specialist sculpture conservator. You can find out how he painstakingly restored an important bronze that was the subject of an unfortunate encounter with a wheelchair at The European Fine Art Fair some years ago. Often, our work is as much about supporting the conservation of art as it is about paying the claims.

That is why AXA Art is so active in supporting the art world as a whole, getting to know the people, processes and pitfalls that drive and (sometimes) beset it. You can read about our sponsorship and events programme on pages 4-5, and meet us at several of the major up-coming art events.

With that, I wish you a happy summer and hope that you enjoy our latest Review.

Annabel Fell-Clark

CEO AXA Art UK

May 2009