Laura Bartlett Gallery London

Laura Bartlett Gallery, established in 2005, quickly became a significant player in London’s vibrant contemporary art landscape. Known for its innovative approach and commitment to nurturing emerging talent, the gallery left an indelible mark on the art world during its 12-year run.

The gallery’s journey began with a bold statement – a four-week-long performance by Japanese artist Sachiko Abe[3]. This inaugural event set the tone for what would become a hallmark of Laura Bartlett Gallery: a willingness to push boundaries and showcase experimental art forms.

Throughout its existence, the gallery gained a reputation for discovering and promoting young international artists. It proudly hosted the first solo gallery exhibitions of several artists who would go on to achieve significant recognition, including Cyprien Gaillard and Becky Beasley[3]. This keen eye for talent helped establish Laura Bartlett Gallery as a tastemaker in the contemporary art world.

One of the gallery’s most distinctive features was its commitment to expanding art beyond traditional gallery spaces. Laura Bartlett actively pursued public art projects, collaborating with artists to create permanent installations around London. Notable examples include Joseph Kosuth’s sculpture on Leathermarket Street and Cyprien Gaillard’s works at Whitworth Park in Manchester and the Hayward Gallery in London[3].

The gallery’s programming was diverse and dynamic, encompassing not just visual arts but also live performances, poetry readings, film screenings, and even dance classes[3]. This multidisciplinary approach created a vibrant community around the gallery, making it a hub for cultural exchange and artistic experimentation.

On the international stage, Laura Bartlett Gallery was a regular presence at major art fairs, including Art Basel, Frieze London, Frieze New York, and FIAC[3]. These appearances helped to elevate the profiles of the gallery’s artists and solidify its reputation in the global art market.

Despite its success and influence, Laura Bartlett Gallery closed its doors in September 2017[1]. The closure marked the end of an era, but the impact of the gallery continues to resonate. Many of the artists it represented have gone on to achieve significant recognition, with their works featured in major museum exhibitions and collections worldwide[3].

After the gallery’s closure, Laura Bartlett herself remained active in the art world. In 2018, she was tasked with launching and curating the art program for Blue Mountain School in Shoreditch, further demonstrating her ongoing influence in shaping London’s cultural landscape[3].

The legacy of Laura Bartlett Gallery lives on through the careers it launched and the innovative spirit it fostered. It serves as a testament to the power of visionary gallerists in shaping the trajectory of contemporary art and supporting the next generation of artistic talent.

Citations:
[1] https://www.artforum.com/news/londons-laura-bartlett-gallery-closes-235589/
[2] https://artviewer.org/drawn-by-its-own-memory-at-laura-bartlett-gallery/
[3] https://laura-bartlett.com/biography/
[4] https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/09623249/filing-history
[5] https://contemporaryartsociety.org/organisations/laura-bartlett-gallery-london