Genuine enthusiasm best sums up the reaction received for MasterArt’s first edition of its print Directory, distributed at the Masterpiece London private preview on June 26th. The artistically designed 2012 Directory, compact and attractively illustrated, features an overview of 130 high-end galleries listed by city and art category and includes each gallery’s details, specialty and a short description of the collection. All the galleries featured are internationally recognized for their expertise and rigorous professionalism in the art trade. Needless to say, the list of selected dealers is hardly exhaustive, but MasterArt hopes to include those galleries that were missing in the coming, 2013 edition.

The Directory, which offers a complement to the portal, MasterArt.com, was launched to help collectors and international travelers become better acquainted with the world’s leading art and antique dealers. It also features portraits of thirteen world-class interior designers, documenting their effervescent passion for design, and lists by date the major upcoming exhibitions and art and antiques fairs. Next year’s edition of the Directory will include a list of notable curators and art specialists, further opening up the world of art and antiques for budding and experienced art lovers worldwide.

The Directory will be distributed at private previews hosted by the leading international art and antique fairs as well as through luxury distribution channels and at prestige events.

HSH Prince George Yourievsky, Managing Director at MasterArt, presenting the Directory to Dr. Mikhail Piotrovsky, Director of the Hermitage Museum

MasterArt’s Directory presented at the Hermitage Gala in Saint Petersburg, Russia

On June 29th, just days after its successful launch at the Masterpiece Fair, HSH Prince George Yourievsky, Managing Director at MasterArt, presented the Directory to Dr. Mikhail Piotrovsky at the Benefactors Gala, an event held in full pageantry at the Hermitage Palace. The prestigious gala, hosted annually, brings international attention to the Museum’s world-renowned collections and raises support for ongoing renovation and restoration of the Museum, particularly the General Staff Building, which will house 20th and 21st century art. Once again, the Directory was greeted with considerable enthusiasm by attendees and curators alike, many of whom complimented MasterArt for producing a handbook which reflects—in its contents as well as in its form—commitment to the highest standards of Art.

Two thousand copies were distributed at these prestigious venues and another 18,000 copies will be offered by the end of 2012. In addition to exclusive galas and art fair previews, the Directory will be left for guests in luxury suites at the world’s most select hotels, at high level business clubs, and for passengers in the first-class cabins and lounges of several international airlines. Forthcoming 2012 distributions

The International Fine Art & Antique Dealers Show When: Private Preview, October 2012; where: New York, USA Pavilion of Art & Design London When: Private Preview, October 2012; where: London, United Kingdom Fine Art Asia When: Private Preview, October 2012; where: Hong Kong, China Shanghai Fine Jewellery and Art Fair When: Private Preview, November 2012; where: Shanghai, China PAN Amsterdam When: Private Preview, November 2012; where: Amsterdam, The Netherlands Paris Tableau When: Private Preview, November 2012; where: Paris, France

And also: in luxury suites of selected hotels, business clubs, 1st class airline lounges and private jets