Looking Forward to the Past
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Übersicht
"Allow me to take you on a journey and tell you a tale that will enthrall and astound. A journey that begins way back in 1746 and continues to this day"
Looking Forward to the Past reflects on a significant moment in the history of Gladwell & Patterson, as the gallery marked 'An Illustrious 275 Years' in January 2023. This milestone followed a period of detailed archival research undertaken by Glenn Fuller, whose investigation into London’s records revealed that the origins of the gallery extended further back than previously understood. The findings were brought together in a publication that traces the development of the business from its foundation in 1746 through successive generations.
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The gallery’s history moves across changing artistic periods while remaining rooted in a consistent engagement with painting and sculpture. Its development has been shaped by individuals whose influence extends beyond the gallery itself, including figures connected with the establishment of the National Gallery, senior members of the Worshipful Companies, and leading voices within the fine art trade. These associations situate the gallery within a broader cultural and civic framework, reflecting its longstanding presence within the City of London.
Since its foundation, the gallery has maintained a continuous role as a point of access for collectors seeking works of quality and distinction. Over time, it has established a reputation built not only on the works it has handled, but on the experience it offers to those who visit. For many, an initial encounter with the gallery remains a defining moment, forming the beginning of a lasting engagement with art.
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The accompanying exhibition was conceived as a reflection of this history, presenting works drawn from the gallery’s archive alongside those by artists closely associated with its programme. Installed at Beauchamp Place, the display referenced earlier premises in the City, offering a sense of continuity between past and present. Paintings by Georges Charles Robin, Alexandre Louis Jacob, Robert Chailloux, Charles Perron, Raymond Wintz, Auguste Bouvard, Edouard Cortès and David Shepherd formed part of this presentation, illustrating the range and character of the gallery’s holdings across time.
Together with the publication, the exhibition provided an opportunity to consider the gallery’s development over nearly three centuries, while also reaffirming its ongoing role within the contemporary art market.
