London’s art scene will leave you dazzled!

Starting this August, art enthusiasts and collectors will have the opportunity to get the inside story on London’s art market with Art Collector Tours.

The art scene in London is extremely varied and distinctly part of its locality as well as part of the global network and global contemporary art trends. It is a centre for contemporary art, and emerging art, the home of the Frieze contemporary art fair brand, the Saatchi gallery, and White Cube as well as being the recognised centre for old master paintings, arts of Asia, and leading art educational institutions such as the Courtauld Institute, and the leading auction houses of Sotheby’s, Christies and Phillips.

The art world is a network of art professionals made up of art dealers, auction houses, museums, galleries, critics, curators and artists. In her book, Seven Days in the Art World, Sarah Thornton describes it as “a loose network of overlapping subcultures held together by a belief in art. They span the globe but cluster in art capitals like New York, London, Los Angeles, and Berlin”. The auction houses have also contributed to the development of London as a leading centre for international art transactions, putting it at the centre of the global art market.
Art worlds exist at local and regional levels, as hidden or obscured subcultures, via primary and secondary art markets, through gallery circuits, around art movements, and, esoterically, as shared or perceived experiences.
Art Collector Tours aims to help guests discover this art world and the art market through carefully curated guided tours of current art shows being presented at the museums & galleries of major art centres on our new exciting full-day Art Tours. As part of our range of worldwide art destinations, the London art tours have been designed to showcase the art exhibitions offered at the museums and galleries in four key areas of the city and go behind the scenes of the London art market.
On a 1-day Art Collector Tour, guests will have the opportunity to visit a leading museum in the company of their Tour Leader who is an art expert. After a morning coffee, the group will take part in a customised guided tour of one or two current shows, finishing with a leisurely lunch where art conversations can continue over a meal. In the afternoon, the curator will accompany guests to a selection of leading art galleries all within walking distance. Here guests can experience the art exhibitions of leading international contemporary galleries in 4 key art areas of London, and discover new contemporary artists. Artworks may also be purchased individually under the careful guidance of the tour Guide, and practical help and guidance offered on acquiring art, logistics, and framing. The day finishes at 6.00pm.

Four key areas of London

The London Art Tours cover 4 key art areas of London – Bankside, Mayfair, Bloomsbury and South Kensington. Where possible, a key theme will be explored that is relevant to each area. The Bankside area of London is situated along the south bank of the river Thames and is a celebration of the area’s thriving creative industries with numerous art galleries, open studios and interactive workshops. The tour in this area includes a visit to the famous Tate Modern. The Mayfair Tour includes the Royal Academy museum as well as the galleries on the key streets of Bond Street, Duke Street, Albemarle Street, and the auction houses of Sotheby’s and Christies. The Bloomsbury tour includes the British Museum and local galleries in and around the elegant streets surrounding the Museum. South Kensington has always been the centre for major museums where the Victoria and Albert museum is situated, and the Royal College of Art. Our Tour here encompasses the V&A, and surrounding galleries. In this area, a new creative hub is under development where art professionals can take on gallery space, and present new artists’ works.

The Art Collector Tours in London will be the start of a journey into some fascinating artistic and cultural discoveries that will leave a lasting impression after visiting this vibrant and highly creative city.