Sadie Coles HQ is opening a new Mayfair location in autumn, replacing its previous Davies Street gallery. The new site will provide significant exhibition space while retaining ties to its flagship gallery. Founder Sadie Coles focuses on keeping the gallery lively and accessible, fostering connections with emerging artists and communities through innovative programs.
The renowned Sadie Coles HQ gallery will open a new location in Mayfair this autumn, occupying a six-storey Georgian townhouse at 17 Savile Row. This 6,000 sq ft space will serve as a replacement for the gallery’s previous Mayfair venue on Davies Street and will operate alongside its flagship site on Kingly Street and a smaller space in St James’s. Sadie Coles, the gallery’s founder, emphasises the importance of changing locations to keep artists engaged and invigorated.
With its history dating back to 1997, when it first opened on Heddon Street, Sadie Coles HQ has continually merged London’s artistic heritage with a contemporary global outlook. The new Savile Row location promises to offer a distinct scale for exhibitions, with artists like Martine Syms and Alex Da Corte already showing interest in collaborations.
Restoration of the 18th-century building is underway, preserving its historic features, as it was once home to the Burlington Fine Arts Club. The gallery will also include a bookstore designed by Jean-Philippe Sanfourche. With around 13,000 sq ft in total and an artist roster of 60, Sadie Coles HQ stands as a significant fixture in London’s art scene.
Coles explains her preference for expanding within London rather than exploring new cities: “It’s really down to my personal pleasure. I’m a creature of habit and I want to keep my gallery at a manageable scale. I like being able to walk between my spaces.” Her commitment to the West End is clear, as she acknowledges the benefits of being in close proximity to hotels frequented by art patrons.
While she remains focused on the West End, Coles acknowledges the growth of art scenes in other London areas, hinting at potential future expansion. The gallery continually seeks to foster new talent, with recent exhibitions featuring artists like Dada Khanyisa and Nicole Eisenmann.
To stay connected with emerging communities, Sadie Coles HQ has launched The Shop, a space that supports smaller galleries and non-profits, and hosts monthly events like Gargle, featuring live readings and performances. Coles expresses openness to the idea of integrating these events into future exhibitions, viewing them as invaluable learning experiences.
Sadie Coles HQ is set to enhance its presence in London’s art scene with a new Mayfair location, emphasising the importance of evolving spaces for artists. The gallery continues to honour its historical roots while nurturing contemporary art. Coles’s dedication to fostering new talent and community engagement through initiatives like The Shop and Gargle ensures the gallery remains vibrant and relevant.
Original Source: www.theartnewspaper.com