They sit in the midst of the central London hubbub, but the shopfronts in Mayfair and St James’s are always worth slowing down for. Dozens of galleries have their base in the historic district, which is as notable for its diversity as its concentration. Antique busts look out of windows towards the most contemporary of installations across the street; classical landscapes give way to splashes of modern colour round the corner.
It would be impossible to take in the full spectrum of art available in Mayfair and St James’s in one weekend: but for those who would like to try, this is probably the best time to do so. The inaugural Brown’s London Art Weekend, which opens tomorrow, brings together over 100 local galleries under an informal programme of tours, talks and exhibitions. Aimed not just at collectors, but at anybody with an interest in art, the event encourages people to explore the area and meet the specialists who work there.
Apollo columnists Susan Moore and Emma Crichton-Miller will lead exclusive tours of the area on Saturday and Sunday respectively, beginning with Mark Hix’s Art Brunch at Brown’s Hotel on Albermarle Street. Find out more and book tickets here.
Brown’s London Art Weekend is organised by founder members John Martin (of the John Martin Gallery) and Johnny Messum (Messum’s Gallery) in conjunction with Brown’s Hotel. It coincides with London Art Week (4−11 July), a wider programme celebrating the art trade in the UK capital (click here for Emma Crichton-Miller’s introduction)
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Opening up London’s galleries: London Art Week (Emma Crichton-Miller)
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