Waddington Custot

The Legacy of Excellence in Modern and Contemporary Art

Nestled in the heart of Mayfair, London’s most prestigious art district, Waddington Custot stands as a testament to artistic excellence and curatorial vision. For over five decades, this distinguished gallery has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of modern and contemporary art in Britain and beyond. Founded through the merger of Leslie Waddington’s and Stephane Custot’s respective galleries, Waddington Custot has established itself as one of London’s most influential art spaces.

Historical Foundations

The gallery’s story begins in 1966 when Leslie Waddington opened his first space in London. With an acute eye for talent and an unwavering commitment to quality, Waddington quickly gained recognition for representing some of the most significant artists of the 20th century. The partnership with Stephane Custot in 2010 brought fresh perspectives and expanded the gallery’s international reach, creating what we know today as Waddington Custot.

Cork Street: The Perfect Address

Located at 11 Cork Street, Waddington Custot occupies a prime position in London’s traditional art district. Cork Street has been synonymous with fine art since the early 20th century, and the gallery’s presence here reinforces its status within the global art community. The gallery’s elegant space, spread across multiple floors, provides the perfect setting for showcasing both established masters and emerging talents.

Artistic Vision and Programming

Exhibition Excellence

Waddington Custot’s exhibition program stands out for its diversity and intellectual rigor. The gallery maintains a careful balance between:

• Solo exhibitions of represented artists
• Carefully curated group shows
• Historical surveys of significant art movements
• Thematic exhibitions exploring contemporary issues

Each exhibition is accompanied by scholarly catalogs and documentation, contributing to the academic discourse surrounding modern and contemporary art.

Artist Representation

The gallery represents an impressive roster of artists, including:

• Established modern masters
• Mid-career contemporary artists
• Emerging talents
• Artists’ estates

This multi-generational approach ensures a dynamic dialogue between historical and contemporary artistic practices.

Notable Exhibitions and Achievements

Throughout its history, Waddington Custot has mounted numerous groundbreaking exhibitions that have contributed significantly to art historical discourse. Some notable achievements include:

• Early recognition and promotion of Pop Art in Britain
• Pioneering exhibitions of Abstract Expressionism
• Comprehensive surveys of European modernism
• Important retrospectives of major 20th-century artists

International Presence

While firmly rooted in London, Waddington Custot maintains a strong international presence through:

Art Fair Participation

The gallery regularly participates in major international art fairs, including:

• Art Basel (Switzerland, Miami Beach, and Hong Kong)
• Frieze London and Frieze Masters
• FIAC Paris
• TEFAF Maastricht

Global Collaborations

Waddington Custot frequently collaborates with:

• International museums
• Cultural institutions
• Private collections
• Other leading galleries worldwide

Educational Initiatives and Public Engagement

Understanding the importance of art education and public engagement, the gallery maintains several initiatives:

Public Programs

• Artist talks and panel discussions
• Exhibition walkthroughs
• Educational workshops
• Collaborative events with cultural institutions

Digital Presence

The gallery has embraced digital platforms to reach wider audiences through:

• Virtual exhibitions
• Online viewing rooms
• Social media engagement
• Digital archives and documentation

The Market Impact

Waddington Custot has played a crucial role in developing the market for:

• Post-war British art
• European modernism
• Contemporary international artists
• Secondary market masterworks

Their expertise in both primary and secondary markets has established them as trusted advisors to collectors worldwide.

Conservation and Legacy

The gallery maintains a strong commitment to:

Art Historical Research

• Supporting scholarly publications
• Maintaining comprehensive archives
• Contributing to academic research
• Documenting artists’ careers

Conservation

• Promoting best practices in art conservation
• Collaborating with conservation specialists
• Advising collectors on preservation

Looking to the Future

As Waddington Custot moves forward, it continues to:

Expand Its Program

• Incorporating new media and technologies
• Supporting experimental practices
• Developing cross-cultural dialogues
• Addressing contemporary issues

Adapt to Change

• Embracing digital innovations
• Responding to market evolution
• Maintaining environmental consciousness
• Supporting sustainable practices

The Gallery Experience

Visiting Waddington Custot offers:

Physical Space

• Museum-quality exhibition spaces
• State-of-the-art lighting and climate control
• Intimate viewing rooms
• Professional installation standards

Professional Services

• Expert art advisory
• Collection management
• Installation consultation
• Conservation guidance

Community Impact

Waddington Custot’s influence extends beyond the art market through:

Local Engagement

• Supporting local arts initiatives
• Participating in community events
• Collaborating with neighboring galleries
• Contributing to Mayfair’s cultural landscape

Global Responsibility

• Supporting environmental initiatives
• Promoting diversity in the arts
• Encouraging sustainable practices
• Contributing to cultural exchange

Conclusion

Waddington Custot stands as more than just a commercial gallery; it represents a cultural institution that has shaped the understanding and appreciation of modern and contemporary art for over half a century. Through its commitment to excellence, support of artists, and contribution to scholarly discourse, the gallery continues to play a vital role in the global art ecosystem.

As we look to the future, Waddington Custot remains at the forefront of the art world, balancing tradition with innovation, commerce with culture, and local presence with global impact. Its continued success and influence serve as a model for how contemporary galleries can maintain relevance and integrity while adapting to an ever-changing art world.

For collectors, artists, scholars, and art enthusiasts alike, Waddington Custot represents a beacon of artistic excellence and cultural significance in the heart of London’s art scene. Its legacy continues to grow, shaped by its past achievements and driven by its vision for the future of contemporary art.