LONDON.- Colnaghi, the renowned art gallery, enters an exciting new chapter as Konrad Bernheimer, Chairman of the 255 year-old firm, announces a merger with fine art dealers Coll & Cortés (London and Madrid). Combining the strengths and expertise of both firms, and diversifying their previous offering, Colnaghi will offer European Old Master paintings, sculptures and drawings, as well as art from the Spanish-speaking world.

A century after the firm moved from Pall Mall to Mayfair, Colnaghi will return to St. James’s in 2016, moving from Old Bond Street to a larger, custom-built gallery where they will present international Old Master paintings, sculptures and drawings in a fresh context suited to the 21st century. The company’s celebrated and treasured library will sit at the heart of the building.

Konrad Bernheimer, Chairman of Colnaghi: “Ever since I first took ownership of Colnaghi in 2002, I have always recognised that a large part of my role has been as a steward for the business and a custodian of its legacy. The decision of my business partner, Katrin Bellinger, to cease trading has coincided with my 65th year, and we are determined to position the company in a way that it will continue thrive into the future, and at the centre of this market. I am thrilled to welcome Jorge Coll and Nicolás Cortés as business partners, and look forward to working with two dynamic young dealers who represent a bright future for Colnaghi. They combine expertise with a fresh approach and have already made their mark selling to over 40 international museums, and having already achieved the rare feat of placing major works at The Metropolitan, The Prado and the Louvre in a single season. As Colnaghi enters a new chapter and returns to St. James’s 100 years after moving from Pall Mall to Mayfair, we look forward to combining our strengths and presenting the very best paintings, sculptures and drawings from all over Europe, as well as the Spanish-speaking world.’

Jorge Coll and Nicolás Cortés: “We are delighted to become a part of the Colnaghi story and to be able to work alongside Konrad, who we have always admired. We strongly believe in the market for traditional art and by joining forces with Konrad, and combining our strengths in a new, custom-built gallery in St. James’s, we believe we can offer an exciting, new destination where we can present paintings, sculptures and drawings with a fresh approach, and in a context suited to the 21st century.”

Colnaghi is expected to move to their new gallery in the first half of 2016, and will continue at their current premises on Old Bond Street until that time. The Coll & Cortés gallery in Madrid will continue to operate under that name for the foreseeable future. Further details of the new gallery will be announced at a later date.

Shortly after Konrad Bernheimer acquired P & D Colnaghi in 2002, Katrin Bellinger, the renowned dealer in Old Master Drawings, joined Colnaghi to continue her work under the company’s umbrella, establishing Katrin Bellinger at Colnaghi. Together they also acquired the famous Colnaghi Library and Archives, regarded as one of the most valuable assets of the firm. The archives have been moved to Windmill Hill on the Waddesdon Estate where they are stored under perfect climate conditions, together with the Rothschild Archives, thanks to a generous arrangement with Lord Rothschild. Katrin will cease trading at the end of the year to focus on her commitments in the museum world and on the activities of her Tavalozza Foundation. Konrad Bernheimer: “After many years of very successful and harmonious collaboration, I will miss Katrin as the most friendly and charming business partner, always reliable and with her very distinct eye for quality.”