(MAASTRICHT) --When The European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF) opens its doors on March 18th, thousands of international collectors and art world luminaries will attend Europe’s leading art market event in search of quality works of art – from masterpieces, antiquities and rarities to selections from the Fair’s newly introduced section of works on paper. Over the past 24 years, TEFAF has built and continues to reinforce a strong reputation for presenting the very finest and desirable works of art.

2011 marks the eighth year of AXA Art’s support as Principal Sponsor of TEFAF. In line with its tradition, the specialist insurer will collaborate with experts from the art world to curate a themed presentation at its Lounge during the Fair. Visitors to the AXA Art Lounge at TEFAF will be invited to “walk on water” while being introduced to scenarios that document how humidity, moisture and mold can dramatically impact the condition of collected art & artifacts.  The demonstration will especially focus on preventative maintenance for works on paper and fine art photography.

Dr. Ulrich Guntram, CEO of AXA Art’s global operations, emphasized the company’s commitment to being an available resource to the art community, commenting, “We are pleased to work with Musée de Design et d’Arts Appliqués Contemporains (MUDAC) of Lausanne and the 2010 Recipient of the AXA Art Research Grant, Centre de Recherche sur la Conservation des Collections (CRCC) of Paris to develop the unique “Walk on Water” demonstration at the AXA Art Lounge during TEFAF.

A recent introduction among TEFAF’s offerings, works on paper represent some of the most important prints, drawings, and photographs that document significant cultural and social milestones in our history. Additionally, elements of design are increasingly being noted among the growing collectibles category. “Our goal is to provide collectors with engaging experiences that help to heighten awareness on safeguarding the longevity and value of their cultural heirlooms”, Dr. Guntram concluded.

The TEFAF/AXA Art co-operation has proven to be a mutually rewarding partnership. Both organizations bring deep understanding of the intrinsic cultural value of art and collectibles to the relationship. And, while TEFAF is recognized as the premier art destination for collectors seeking quality and authenticity, AXA Art augments its affiliation with innovative ways to engage and inform discerning collectors, by making available access to expertise in specialist insurance, risk prevention, preventative conservation, recovery and restoration.

CONFERENCES AND TALKS

Friday, March 18th 2011, 12:00 p.m.
Members of the international media are invited to ‘Walk on Water’ during a media reception at the AXA Art Lounge.
Refreshments will be served.

Monday, March 21st 2011, 3:00 p.m.

Conference examines Preserving Fine Art Photography

MECC Café – 1st Floor at the MECC Centre

Speakers include:

Bertrand Lavédrine
Director of the CRCC, Centre de Recherche sur la Conservation des Collections, Paris, France
‘Preserving while exhibiting photographs: new challenges'

Gaël de Guichen
Advisor to the Director General of ICCROM, International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property, Rome, Italy
‘A few suggestions to protect works of art against light damage’

Paul Messier
Conservator of Photographs in Private Practice, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
'Investigating photographic materials and techniques: Man Ray’s Le Violon d'Ingres'