LONDON.- The internationally renowned antique silver dealer,
Koopman Rare Art has relocated its London gallery to the West End. After more than 50 years situated on Chancery Lane above the London Silver Vaults, Koopman Rare Arts new address is 11-12 Dover Street, Mayfair, London W1.
Lewis Smith, Director of Koopman Rare Art explained: We had been considering a move for sometime and the recent pandemic provided both the catalyst and opportunity.
The art world has changed dramatically since Koopman Rare Art opened its showroom back in 1969. Todays art buyers collect across the artistic spectrum they dont just buy in one category they buy paintings, silver, furniture, porcelain, tribal art, antiquities whatever it is they are interested in. We felt, therefore, that in order to facilitate our customers we need to be in the traditional centre of the London art market, close to the major auction houses and other renowned antique dealers.
Our premises above the London Silver Vaults served us extremely well for decades but we were beginning to feel a bit out on a limb and felt the need to be at the heart of the London art scene.
Although there is much talk about the demise of traditional retail, in contrast, we feel extremely confident about the future and are convinced that Londons West End will emerge stronger. In our new premises on Dover Street we are better able to serve our existing customers, as well as establishing new ones. Location and accessibility are key in our industry.
Koopman Rare Arts new West End showroom is situated in an elegant neoclassical Georgian building, on Mayfairs vibrant Dover Street, with its eclectic mix of top fashion brands, art galleries, private members clubs and the prestigious Browns Hotel.
Large windows onto the street offer the opportunity to give passers by a taste of the many fabulous silver treasures available in side. The showroom is spread over two floors covering approximately 300sqm (3,200sqft). The reception area leads into a well-lit gallery with rich wood flooring and large showcases, each with a magnificent display of silver by great silversmiths such as Paul Storr, Paul de Lamerie and royal goldsmiths Rundell Bridge & Rundell. These are complemented by a few choice pieces of antique furniture and paintings.
In addition, to satisfy the ever-growing demand for fine jewellery, Sam Hug has recently joined Koopman Rare Art from Sothebys to provide additional jewellery expertise. A designated space in the new gallery is exclusively dedicated to Koopman Rare Arts carefully curated collection of jewels by leading jewellery houses.
Likewise, beyond the main gallery, Koopman Rare Arts extensive collection of gold boxes is displayed in a smaller more intimate space, which also provides a private seating area for VIP clients.
Koopman Rare Arts considerable library and archive is accommodated in the basement, as is a large workshop area, where all the cleaning, maintenance and polishing of the silver is carried out.
Lewis Smith said: We are delighted to open the doors to our new showroom in Mayfair and to begin an exciting new chapter in the history of Koopman Rare Art.