1 How did you get your start?
An internship with Simon Dickinson gave me a great start. That led on to jobs at Stair Sainty, Daniel Hunt and then with Sir Timothy Clifford. I left London to work as a picture specialist in Yorkshire and started my own gallery in a moment of madness in January.
Now I specialise in Old Master paintings and drawings mostly, although I am drawn to all manner of objects. Anything eye-catching.
2 What is your next event?
Together with fellow dealer Luke Bodalbhai we have an online exhibition of small Old Master Pictures (until December 24). The perfect stocking fillers!
3 What is one great discovery you have made?
Filippo Lauri (1623-1694), St Aloysius Gonzaga Holding a Crucifix, oil on copper, 4 x 3in (10.5 x 8cm), offered for £4000.
A recent one is a charming small oil on copper by Filippo Lauri. It depicts St Aloysius Gonzaga holding a crucifix. It is in lovely condition and was formerly in an Old Master dealer’s private collection.
4 Who do you admire in the art world?
Art historian Sir Timothy Clifford [former director of the National Galleries of Scotland]. A fount of knowledge and generous with it. Always encouraging and inspiringly enthusiastic.
5 Real ale or espresso martini?
Now that I live in Yorkshire, I think I am duty bound to say real ale.
If you would like to be featured in 5 Questions, please contact francesallitt@antiquestradegazette.com
