That beautiful and interesting pictures should be able to be bought from income, was the necessary principle decided by Robert Abbott and Eric Holder when they first dealt in Partnership in 1936 during the Depression. For over seventy years it has been our policy to stock pictures that are within the means of as broad a section of the population as possible. Inevitably the figures change with time, however, while much of our stock is now priced between £100 and £5000 we still keep a £50-and-under box, direct descendant of the five shilling box of the 1950s.
Our dealing style found its feet after the 2nd World War when Abbott and Holder bought a large Barnes house which, acting as both home to Abbott and Gallery for the rapidly increasing stock, was hung domestically, and our seven-weekly ‘Lists’ were launched as a means of introducing and publicising new aquisitions.
In the days when supply outstripped demand and watercolours and drawings, now forming the core of distinguished collections could be had for a few pounds, the house became something of a Mecca for enthusiasts. Customers were and are encouraged to take their time over decisions and to make as many visits as they need getting to know us and the stock.
The Partnership remained a family matter with the founder’s nephew, John Abbott, joining Eric Holder from 1971-81 until Philip Athill, already an assistant having read Art History at the University of East Anglia, became a partner in 1984. On the retirement of John Abbott in 2001, Abbott and Holder became a Limited Company of which Philip Athill is Managing Director.
There are always over 1000 pictures on view – all marked and priced – and while it is necessary to ring the door bell, once admitted and our layout briefly explained, visitors are left to explore at will. We are always on hand to answer any of the many questions that everyone considering a picture should ask: Who is this artist? How do we know it is by him? Is it a good example? What is the condition? Why do we price it thus? etc etc.
All our attributions are of course guaranteed and we still offer not only a complete refund, should an attribution prove inaccurate, but also – as offered on the first ‘List’ – a box of Black Magic chocolates.