Located in the prestigious Duke Street St James’s, the Bernard Jacobson Gallery stands as one of London’s most influential and enduring art institutions. Since its establishment in 1969, the gallery has played a pivotal role in shaping the contemporary art landscape, representing some of the most significant artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.

The Gallery’s Rich History

Bernard Jacobson founded the gallery with a vision to create a space that would champion both established and emerging artists. What began as a small print gallery in a tiny space on Mount Street has evolved into one of London’s most respected contemporary art venues. Over five decades, the gallery has built an impressive reputation for its discerning eye and commitment to artistic excellence.

Early Years and Evolution

In its early days, the gallery specialized in modern British and European prints, featuring works by renowned artists such as David Hockney and Henri Matisse. As the gallery’s reputation grew, so did its scope and ambition. By the 1970s, it had expanded into showing paintings and sculptures, establishing itself as a multifaceted art institution.

Notable Artists and Exhibitions

The Bernard Jacobson Gallery has represented and exhibited works by some of the most influential artists of our time. Among its most notable associations is its representation of Robert Motherwell’s estate, making it a primary source for this Abstract Expressionist master’s works in Europe.

Key Artists Associated with the Gallery

• Robert Motherwell
• William Tillyer
• Marc Vaux
• Bruce McLean
• Kurt Schwitters
• Henri Matisse
• Sam Francis
• Helen Frankenthaler

The Gallery’s Architectural Space

In 2015, the gallery moved to its current location at 28 Duke Street St James’s, occupying a modernist space designed specifically for exhibiting contemporary art. The gallery’s architecture features:

• Clean, minimalist lines
• State-of-the-art lighting systems
• Flexible exhibition spaces
• Multiple viewing rooms
• Conservation-grade climate control

Curatorial Philosophy

The Bernard Jacobson Gallery is known for its thoughtful and innovative curatorial approach. The gallery’s philosophy centers on:

Quality and Authenticity

Every exhibition is carefully curated to maintain the highest standards of artistic quality. The gallery takes pride in its ability to source and authenticate important works, making it a trusted name among collectors and institutions.

Educational Mission

The gallery maintains a strong commitment to art education through:

• Regular lectures and artist talks
• Publication of scholarly catalogs
• Educational partnerships with universities
• Support for art historical research

The Gallery’s Impact on the Art Market

Over the years, the Bernard Jacobson Gallery has played a significant role in shaping the international art market. Its influence can be seen in several areas:

Market Development

The gallery has been instrumental in:

• Establishing market values for post-war artists
• Introducing American Abstract Expressionism to European audiences
• Supporting the careers of emerging British artists
• Contributing to the development of the contemporary print market

International Presence

While firmly rooted in London, the gallery maintains a strong international presence through:

• Participation in major art fairs
• Collaborations with international institutions
• Global network of collectors and dealers
• Online presence and digital initiatives

Contemporary Focus and Future Direction

As the art world continues to evolve, the Bernard Jacobson Gallery remains at the forefront of contemporary art discourse. The gallery’s current focus includes:

Digital Innovation

• Enhanced online viewing rooms
• Virtual exhibition experiences
• Digital archive accessibility
• Social media engagement

Sustainability Initiatives

The gallery has embraced environmental responsibility through:

• Sustainable exhibition practices
• Eco-friendly shipping methods
• Digital catalogs to reduce paper usage
• Energy-efficient gallery operations

Collection Highlights

The gallery’s collection spans multiple artistic movements and mediums, including:

Abstract Expressionism

• Significant holdings of Motherwell’s works
• Important pieces by Helen Frankenthaler
• Key works by Sam Francis

British Modernism

• Comprehensive collection of William Tillyer
• Significant works by Marc Vaux
• Important pieces by Bruce McLean

The Gallery’s Role in Art Education

Education remains a cornerstone of the gallery’s mission, manifested through:

Public Programs

• Regular artist talks
• Curator-led tours
• Workshop series
• Student engagement initiatives

Publications

• Exhibition catalogs
• Artist monographs
• Research papers
• Educational materials

Community Engagement

The gallery maintains strong ties with the London art community through:

Local Partnerships

• Collaborations with nearby institutions
• Support for local art initiatives
• Participation in community events
• Educational outreach programs

Cultural Exchange

• International artist residencies
• Cross-cultural exhibitions
• Global art dialogue facilitation

Looking to the Future

As the Bernard Jacobson Gallery moves forward, it continues to adapt and evolve while maintaining its core values:

Innovation

• Embracing new technologies
• Exploring emerging art forms
• Adapting to changing market conditions
• Developing new exhibition formats

Tradition

• Maintaining high curatorial standards
• Preserving artistic legacies
• Supporting established artists
• Upholding gallery traditions

Conclusion

The Bernard Jacobson Gallery remains a cornerstone of London’s art scene, bridging the gap between historical significance and contemporary relevance. Its commitment to artistic excellence, educational outreach, and innovation ensures its continued influence in the global art world.

Through its thoughtful curation, support of artists, and dedication to public engagement, the gallery continues to shape the conversation around contemporary art. As it moves forward, the Bernard Jacobson Gallery stands as a testament to the enduring power of art to inspire, challenge, and transform our understanding of the world.

The gallery’s legacy, built over more than five decades, serves as both a foundation for its current activities and a springboard for future innovations. As the art world continues to evolve, the Bernard Jacobson Gallery remains committed to its founding principles while embracing new opportunities to engage with artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts around the globe.