Visiting Galleries

Most of you probably visit the major London Galleries for their blockbuster exhibitions and some of you are probably regular visitors to the Mall Gallery for its excellent exhibitions of work from its associated bodies, but did you know that there are ways of seeing major works of art that are not normally on view . The first way is to visit the three major auction houses in London, all of whom have regular art auctions. The works which are to be sold are normally on view for the week before the auction and you do not have to be a potential bidder to go and view them. Christies in South Kensington, seem to have a virtually continuous program of art auctions. They are generally themed so you will have maritime art or animal art ,paintings from a particular period or poster art. Probably works not by the most famous artist but all of a very high standard. Bonhams in New Bond Street have similar auctions but not so often and generally of higher quality, but the pinnacle of art auctions are held at Sothebeys in New Bond Street. In early February they had an Impressionist and Modern sale which included works by most of the major impressionist and modern artists such as Renoir , as well as works by other impressionists and modern painters who might be called second string like Cailebotte and Boudin. These are paintings that you will probably never get a chance to see again., as they will end up in the collections of very wealthy patrons or institutions. There are no restrictions just walk in and look around. Catalogues are there to be seen and used. You might be tempted to buy one. They are expensive but good value. Christies have similar high end sales at their gallery in St.James.. The other way is to visit the many dealers galleries. They look rather formidable but in my experience they do not mind non customers looking round. You might have to ring a door bell to get entry , but once inside they will not worry you after asking if they can be of help. Bond Street is again a good area to visit. Richard Green opposite Sothebys always has a good selection of British art and usually some Impressionist gems. Next door the Fine Art Centre also specialises in British art of the 19th and 20th century. Cork Street just around the corner is full of galleries. The Waddington Gallery specialises in more Modern British art. They had a super exhibition of Patrick Caulfield late last year. Opposite is Browse & Darby who include Euan Uglow and Elisabeth Blackadder amongst there artists. Other galleries cater for all tastes from traditional to Britart. If works on paper are your thing, I’d recommend a visit to Chris Beetles in Ryder Street, St.James. The works of most of the best of British illustrators are on view there and some are even quite reasonably priced. Finally a non-dealer gallery, which does not seem so well known. The Fleming Collection in Grosvenor Street only shows works by Scottish painters, but I have seen some stunning paintings there and have got familiar with the works of some great painters like McTaggart , Redpath and the Scottish Colourists. Entry is free and welcoming. There are many other galleries all around London, with Hoxton being full of them, but I must admit I am not familiar with them so cannot make recommendations. The Artist lists some of these galleries but there are many more as well as those outside London. Next time you have some spare time visit some of these places and I think you will be amazed at the variety of art available to see for nothing.