AGNEW & SONS GALLERY
Thomas Agnew & Sons was established in 1817 when Agnew (1794-1871) became a partner with Vittore Zanetti (died 1835) having been apprenticed to him since 1810. Thomas Agnew became sole proprietor in 1835 and in 1850, after successfully completing apprenticeships with their father, William and Thomas Agnew became partners in the firm. Thomas Agnew retired in 1861 when his son William became the guiding force of the firm. The company occupied its purpose-built Bond Street premises from 1877 and has been involved in placing masterpieces in major collections and museums around the world, and by the 20th century it had established itself as one of the world’s leading international commercial art galleries, with a range of pictures covering Old Master paintings, British paintings, Master prints, French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art and Contemporary British paintings. The gallery has an almost unrivalled British record of having sold some of the world's greatest masterpieces. These include Velázquez’s 'Rokeby Venus' now in the collection of the National Gallery and Rembrandt's 'Self Portrait' now in Washington’s National Gallery. In 2008 it relocated to nearby Albemarle Street close to the Royal Academy and now concentrates on more contemporary art. In 2013 the gallery acquired new owners when Agnews, led by Lord Anthony Crichton-Stuart, successfully built upon the gallery’s legacy of acquiring and presenting great works art to museums and private collectors, while also implementing a dynamic and progressive approach which has rejuvenated the company. Working from their new townhouse gallery in St James’s Place, through an exciting yearly calendar of exhibitions and events, the new Agnews has established itself as a gallery which, while remaining true to the remit of the firm and its high standards, celebrates creativity and diversity through art.