Antiques Trade Gazette interview with Kathryn Bell, Fine Art Consultancy, 19 January 2019
Kathryn Bell runs Fine Art Consultancy, which offers British and Japanese contemporary art as well as Modern British prints. The gallery next stands at ‘Connect’, the art fair in London that runs from January 29-February 2.
1. How did you get your start?
After completing my postgraduate studies at SOAS I applied to Curwen Gallery. Due to my lack of experience, the director suggested I visit their sister gallery Business Art Galleries, which was looking for an art consultant before its move to The New Academy Gallery on the same street as Curwen.
I learned so much from the experienced gallery staff during an intense three-year period, during which time I worked on big corporate projects and learned a lot about printmaking and Modern British art through Curwen Press.
2. How has the trade changed since then?
Our world is now focused on – and at times seems to revolve around – art fairs. The business is much more international now and visiting art fairs in different parts of the world has become an important dimension.
3. A stand-out sale?
At a fair in New York in late 2015 my colleague and I thought a couple were deciding between three fairly expensive paintings. In response to “Which one are you leaning towards?” they replied: “We’ll take all three.”
4. A career highlight so far?
Opening my dream gallery space on Belsize Lane in London late last year.
5. What is one exhibition you would love to stage?
A printmaking show featuring Modern British artists (such as the works of William Scott) from the archive of Curwen Press and printed by Stanley Jones. I would select a contemporary printmaker to show alongside each.
I remember Scott coming into Curwen to sign his last print (Still Life with Lemon, 1989) just before he died. I’ll be showing the print on my stand at the Connect fair.
Article originally published in Antiques Trade Gazette, 19 January 2019
