Ben Enwonwu (1917-1994)

The iconic 13.7-ton bell that dominates the British Parliament has been under restoration for five years. It rang again yesterday in London. The 1,000 pieces that make up the bell have been meticulously cleaned at a cost of £80 million.

The dials of the famous clock are gradually being revealed as the restoration of the Elizabeth Tower, started 5 years ago, draws to a close. The £80 million project has entailed the removal of the black paint applied in the 1930s and the restoration of the Prussian blue color of the numbers and hands.

Japanese American artist, Ben Sakoguchi, was initially invited to exhibit at the “California Biennial 2022: Pacific Gold” held at the newly constructed Orange County Museum of Art. After the institution rescinded his invitation, the artist claimed it was due to the swastika imagery in one of his paintings. (Artnet)

One of the top connoisseurs of post-war Italian art, former auctioneer Ben Brown has founded two galleries, in London and Hong Kong, where contemporary art reigns supreme.

The stalwart contemporary art dealer Ben Brown Fine Arts is opening a pop-up space in Mayfair, London. Opening next month, the inaugural exhibition will showcase the work of Brazilian artist Vik Muniz. Brown says: “I am opening a pop-up in Grosvenor Street because business is good, and I need more space.’ (TAN)

How do you see the development of the street art market since you opened your gallery, Itinerrance, in 2004 in Paris?It's definitely alive, but it is important first of all to appreciate how this movement came about, through significant events like Tour...

Almost five years after its conception, New York’s LGBTQ+ Museum, which plans to open to the public in 2024, has appointed its first executive director. Ben Garcia, formerly deputy director and chief learning officer of Ohio History Connection, spoke of his desire to promote a “multicultural, multilingual experience”.

Myriam Ben Salah will take up her new post of executive director and Chief Curator of the Rennaissance Society on September 15. A challenge in these times of crisis for the talented 35-year-old curator, with a solid background on the international scene, after having started her carrier at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris.

The folio, printed in 1623, includes 36 of Shakespeare’s works (18 of which are said to be known due to their inclusion in the folio) along with an engraved portrait of Shakespeare and “poetical tributes by Ben Johnson and others” according to the BBC. This copy is thought to be one of just 20 in private hands. (BBC)

Since 2008, TEFAF showcase initiative supports young and emerging dealers. This year the showcase will include 10 galleries ranging from 3 to 10 years old. Ambrose Naumann Fine Art (NY), Ben Hunter (London), Galerie Maxime Flatry (Paris) and Frédérick Mouraux (Brussels) are among the participating galleries.