Belgravia has enjoyed a connection with the arts scene in London since the area itself was created. In the 1820s, this distinguished district of the capital became part of a living installation as Master Builder Thomas Cubitt began to bring his plans to life for a neighbourhood of uniform architectural elegance of stucco-fronted terraces and garden squares that appealed directly to the tastes and fashions of the aristocracy. This aesthetic was heavily influenced by the neoclassical and Georgian ideas of harmony and proportion that he hoped would inform the behaviour of the residents and visitors in a clear and community-driven way. Throughout the Victorian era, Belgravia thrived in this manner and naturally, those who lived there were keen to pursue roles as patrons of the arts themselves. The salon culture and private art portfolios that gathered pace saw the area become home to a wonderful collection of portraiture, landscape paintings and sculptures driven by the Grand Tours of the elite.
From the late 20th century to the present day, Belgravia has fostered a reputation as the centre for a very particular style of art gallery. One that is often by invitation only, with private collections and dealers operating in the world of discerning collectors and academics alike.
Here is a carefully curated collection of some of the finest art galleries in Belgravia today.
Haynes Fine Art
Haynes Fine was established in 1971 and originally operated in the Cotswolds to become the largest art dealer outside of the capital. When they took the step of opening a London gallery in 2016, it seemed perfectly appropriate that they chose Pimlico Road as the location amongst the high-end design showrooms and dealerships. Haynes remains a family-run enterprise with a fine tradition of personal and knowledgeable service and they do remarkably well securing art for display and procurement for their clients. Here in the simple and light-bathed surroundings of the gallery, you have the opportunity to view over two and a half thousand works charting British and Global art movements from the 19th to the 21st century. Pieces from David Hockney, L.S Lowry and Gustave Loiseau share the space with works by Banksy and Andy Warhol in a thrilling timeline that it is easy to lose hours and even days in. Such is the prestige of this gallery and the Haynes family that they now regularly curate collections all over the world, renowned for their meticulous levels of provenance that have led to connections with museums all over the world. This is a gallery leading the way in the approach to the democratisation and enjoyment of art for the future.
88 Gallery
Erik Müllendorf is a world-leading expert in the field of 20th-century decorative art who has gained a stellar reputation for a scholarly approach and integrity. 88 Gallery is a private showroom with a clear focus on collectible design and functional art that represents a commitment to supporting and funding new artists in their pursuit of classical quality with modern innovations. The invitation-only basis of the gallery encourages an audience of serious buyers, fellow artists and premier dealers that can connect to view and purchase for clients all over the world. Celebrated luminaries such as Ado Chale, Gio Ponti and Max Ingrand have all had their objects and furniture pieces pass through 88 Gallery as it regularly participates in major art world events like Masterpiece London, PAD London and PAD Paris.
It is perhaps the nurturing of emerging talent that defines 88 Gallery’s approach and gives it a unique identity. The active funding for production that becomes available for new designers allows for an evolving showcase that combines vintage value with the unmistakable allure of new ideas and voices. This place is quickly becoming an institution on Pimlico Road despite only being opened in 2009.
The Osborne Studio Gallery
There is an immense passion required for gallery owners and curators who decide to specialise in a particular niche. The level of dedication, knowledge and experience that is on show at The Osborne Studio Gallery for sporting and equestrian art demonstrates how impressive this can be when done properly and with style. Housed within a beautiful Townhouse on Motcomb Street since the mid-1990s, this has been a running concern under the direction of Geoffrey C.S. Hughes since the 1980s. The story goes that Geoffrey and a friend had the idea while on a canoe trip down the Zambezi river and were soon trading pieces for multi-million pound amounts.
The emphasis for the collections is firmly upon premier sporting and equestrian pieces with a focus on horse racing in particular. Around 40 artists are represented, including Hubert de Watrigant, who was responsible for much of the gallery’s initial success.
There are usually around 10 exhibitions here every year with a mix of themed installations and solo shows, often aligned with major sporting events such as Royal Ascot. The Osborne Studio Gallery feels quintessentially English in both its subject matter and atmosphere, with appointments available in this warm and friendly space that is very much a favourite of private collectors and interior designers.
Marsden Woo Gallery
The Marsden Woo Gallery is a real gem of the Belgravia art scene as a pioneer of the contemporary applied arts world that bridges the divide between fine art and craft. There is a clear specialisation in ceramics here with narrative-based works that often deal with themes around body and identity in a profound way. The support that Marsden Woo offers is based around a bespoke and elite roster of influential artists working in this space, such as Martin Smith, Nao Matsunaga and one of Britain’s most important ceramicists, Gordon Baldwin. A show here in 2018, curated by Anthony Shaw, demonstrated Baldwin’s legacy with loans from private collections, amongst previously unseen works.
Tatjana Marsden, Nelson Woo and their team play a curatorial role that works in a holistic way for the collectors that they invite into the space. They produce associated essays, monographs and collected texts to support the exhibitions in a way that further explores the boundaries between art forms and the connections between artists and their audiences. The intellectual element is valued as highly as the aesthetic at Marsden Woo in a complete and bespoke way that sets it apart from similar spaces.
Art is so often influenced by its environment and vice versa. The artists and creators who operate in Belgravia and are showcased in these galleries add an exciting and progressive element to the energy of the neighbourhood. Framed by such incredible surroundings, the experiences they offer are the result of centuries of work that has gone before them – a work destined to continue long into the future in an interesting and thought-provoking way.
