The gallerist recounts Frieze in fast-forward: from the Scottish hills to Mayfair dinners, ending in Paris for Art Basel.
Pre-Frieze Week
“Frieze Week” is no longer confined to the week of the fair. With the arrival of Art Basel Paris, galleries and collectors now hop on the Eurostar as early as Thursday of “Frieze Week” to set up in Paris, meaning everything in London has shifted earlier. And so I find myself starting my own Frieze Week the Saturday before, boarding a flight to Edinburgh, where one of the gallery’s newest artists, Georg Wilson, is opening a solo exhibition at Jupiter Artland.
Nicky Wilson, the owner of Jupiter Artland, is a brilliant supporter of Georg’s work—she has always been visionary in spotting the next generation of artists. Jupiter Artland itself is beautiful, and it’s so special to see Georg’s work in a setting immersed in nature. One painting is even placed above an open fire—how often do you see that?! Nicky is an incredibly generous host and the opening reception unfolded into a beautiful dinner, with heartfelt speeches and everyone sipping Scottish vodka cocktails throughout. I spent most of the evening chatting with Georg’s wonderful mother. Later, espresso martinis appeared and everyone stayed up dancing. I ended my evening on the dance floor with Georg’s father, A.N. Wilson, a world expert on Goethe.
Before leaving Edinburgh, I made sure to visit the Andy Goldsworthy retrospective at the National Galleries of Scotland. The show was totally sold out, so my dear friend and the museum’s director, Simon Groom, snuck me in the back. While there, it dawned on me how Goldsworthy, a pioneering land artist, was in some ways a predecessor to a new generation of artists like Georg, who are reinterpreting the landscape in fresh ways.
It was a fleeting visit, and after just twenty-four hours in Edinburgh, I was back to London for a two-week marathon of art fairs, exhibition openings, meetings, and events that already felt more like a sprint.
Monday
Back in London, I enjoy a rare quiet moment at the gallery and pop into Sotheby’s, conveniently across the street, where my son Giacomo Prideaux walks me through the sales. I had a lovely chat with Oliver Barker, the chairman, before heading back to the gallery, which is already welcoming a steady stream of collectors and curators.
Tuesday
It’s the opening reception for Sabine Moritz’s new solo exhibition at our Conduit Street gallery. Like everyone else, we’ve programmed a major show for an artist I truly believe in—perfect timing for the influx of international visitors. The evening begins with an in-conversation between Sabine and Hans Ulrich Obrist, Artistic Director of the Serpentine and a longtime friend and admirer of hers. It was actually Hans Ulrich who first introduced me to Sabine’s work back in 2012 at a show in Golden Square, Soho.
Once things wrap up at the gallery, we head over to Bar du Prés, a chic French restaurant and bar, for the afterparty. The room is buzzing with collectors, curators, and critics squeezed into the Mayfair space, champagne in hand. I spot Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo and her family —she’s about to celebrate 30 years of her foundation in Turin. I first met her when I was a twenty-three-year-old receptionist at Lisson Gallery, so we go way back. Sabine’s family had also travelled in for the show, and my husband and Giac joined too. The last few days have felt like a real family affair.
Wednesday
It’s preview day at Frieze London and Frieze Masters. I live within walking distance of Regent’s Park, so my annual pilgrimage to the big white tents is a short stroll through autumn leaves. Once inside, I make a beeline for Olney Gleason, run by Eric Gleason and Nick Olney. They’re showing a young French artist, Alexis Ralaivao, who will have a solo show with my gallery next March. I bump into artists Viven Zhang, Ella Walker, Georg Wilson, and have a lovely chat with my friend and fellow gallerist Esther Schipper, who walks me through her booth of Sarah Buckner.
Dinner that night is at J Sheekey with my husband, Peder Lund, and some collector friends from Asia.
Thursday
You’d think things might be winding down by now, but no, it’s an early start for breakfast at the Cranford Collection, where Sophie von Hellermann has unveiled a monumental new mural across Muriel and Freddy Salem’s elegant John Nash–designed home.
Afterwards, I head to our Savile Row gallery, where Haitian artist Manuel Mathieu has flown in from Montreal to appear in conversation with Zoé Whitley, the brilliant curator and former Director of Chisenhale Gallery. They discuss spirituality, trauma, and ritual in his work. As soon as it ends, Manuel has to dash straight to the airport to open his most extensive exhibition yet, at the PHI Museum in Montreal. We wave him off and head to Cipriani for some much-needed comfort food with friends.
Friday
I cycle over to The Dorchester, where Sarah Harrelson is hosting a breakfast in the hotel’s Vesper Bar. After catching up with Sarah, I hop back on my bike, spot Yana Peel outside Claridge’s, and give her a wave as I pedal past.
The next few days are a blur of packing, last-minute logistics, and trying to clear my inbox before we head to Art Basel Paris on Monday, where we’ll be showing some truly exceptional works, including Bayou Bather, a new painting by Tschabalala Self.
Emails are constantly interrupted by surprise visits from friends in town for the fairs, but that’s Frieze Week: full of chaotic connections!
