The address and the names are familiar to art collectors: 31 Bruton Street in Mayfair, once the premises of the renowned dealership Arthur Tooth, is the new home of the association of Lefevre Fine Art and Thomas Gibson.
While the veteran art dealing heavyweights Desmond Corcoran and Thomas Gibson are watching from the wings, their sons Alex and Hugh have formed an association and are sharing the new space. It opened with a major show of paintings and drawings by Alberto Giacometti, the first ever to be held in London (until 15 December). The show comprises seven paintings, loaned from private collections, which are not for sale, with three portraits of the artist’s mistress Caroline. The 15 drawings include portraits of Diego, Caroline, Matisse and John Rewald, and are for sale at prices from c30,000 to over c300,000.
The works are on display in the 3,200 square-foot gallery, which is spread out over three spaces on the first floor. “I realised that dealing in the art market has changed radically”, says Alex Corcoran. “You don’t need a shop front any more, because there is very little passing trade. You have to travel more, you can’t wait for the client to come in.”
After he and Hugh Gibson formed an association last year, the pair produced a catalogue and set off to visit all their clients in America, before opening the new space.
Alberto Giacometti, Thomas Gibson Fine Art and Lefevre Fine Art, 31 Bruton Street, London W1J 6QS Tel: +44(0)20 7499 8572. Until 15 December
Originally appeared in The Art Newspaper as 'Giacometti show launches Lefevre/Gibson gallery'