Selection Committee Spotlight – Alex Collins, Curator, Wallace Collection

Alex Collins is Assistant Curator for Portraits of Dogs: From Gainsborough to Hockney at the Wallace Collection. Previously, he was Leverhulme Fellow at the Wallace Collection for the prestigious Riesener Project, in which he researched the furniture of Jean-Henri Riesener and contributed to the project’s monograph and digital resources. Prior to this, Alex was Decorative Arts Curatorial Intern at the Royal Collection.

What motivated you to join the 2023 LAPADA Berkeley Fair Selection Committee?

Being part of LAPADA’s Selection Committee is an exciting opportunity to take a close look at an outstanding array of artworks from across the world and centuries. Being a decorative arts specialist, I am particularly looking forward to seeing exceptional furniture! The Selection Committee will also be a chance to meet exhibitors and for them to share their knowledge and passion for their artworks, and to discover the inspirations behind their displays.

As a judge for the LAPADA Fair’s Best Stand and Object Awards, what specific qualities are you seeking in a winner?

For the Best Stand Award, I will be on the lookout for displays of artworks of the highest quality, which have been arranged in beautiful and perhaps unexpected ways. And though rarity and exquisiteness will of course play an important part in deciding which artwork receives the Best Object Award, there will also be a great appreciation for any fascinating stories objects might be able to tell.