We deal mostly in British works of art from the Eighteenth to Twentieth Centuries; this is the area in which we are most knowledgeable and experienced. But our monthly Lists of new stock are composed of works that we feel are beautiful / interesting / rare / unusual / exciting … anything that might distinguish them from ‘the crowd’, irrespective of date or country of origin, and most certainly ‘fashion’.
When Robert Abbott and Eric Holder started dealing together in 1936 they aimed to provide pictures affordable from income. For eighty-seven years it has remained our policy to stock works that are within the means of as broad a section of the population as possible. So, while our prices can range from as little as £50 to more than £50K, the great majority of the works you will see on this website and at the gallery are priced between £500 and £10,000.
THE GALLERY IS OPEN
10am – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm
Monday to Saturday
You do not have to make an appointment to visit.
But, if you are coming to collect a picture or to view something you have seen online, please contact us first so we can make sure it’s ready/available for you.
CONTACT DETAILS
30 Museum Street
– opposite the British Museum –
London, WC1A 1LH
0207 637 3981
[email protected]
WHO WE ARE
TOM EDWARDS
Managing Director
I studied History of Art at the Courtauld Institute then worked as a Porter at Bonhams Auctioneers. I joined Abbott and Holder in 2003. Philip Athill and I established the Abbott and Holder Joint Venture for special projects in 2008, and I became a Director of Abbott and Holder Ltd in 2012. When Philip retired I became owner and Managing Director. I have two young daughters, so am keen to spend every spare minute with them, my wife and dog. But whenever the opportunity presents itself, I am straight in the swimming pool …
Photography and Digital
James joined the company in 2010 as a General Assistant / Porter. He went to live and work in Canada from 2012 – 2014, but came back to us on his return to the UK. He was previously Gallery Manager, but is now responsible for all the photogaphy you see on the website, as well as keeping our Social Media and Warehouse in good order … and plenty besides! When not at work you’d find James at Selhurst Park watching his beloved Crystal Palace.
Operations
Lewis joined the company in 2018 as General Assistant after studying Fine Art at Falmouth and is now an essential part of the team. Aside from helping run the gallery, where many of you will have met him, he is responsible for all operational aspects of the company; the logistics of packing and sending art works, supplies, ordering mounts and frames from Mark and generally helping to make sure our monthly Lists and Exhibitions are well prepared and appear on time! Lewis is a keen footballer, runner and cyclist.
Gallery
Henry joined the company in 2023. Many of you (artists and collectors) will recognise him from Bankside Gallery where he worked for a number of years. Henry is responsible for the smooth running of the gallery so the chances are it is him you will meet when visiting, or talk to when calling. Aside from gallery life, Cricket (watching and playing), Chess (playing), Literature (reading) and Exhibitions (visiting) are Henry’s main enthusiasms.
Framing and Mounting
Mark joined the company in 1995 as our mount cutter. He took over making our frames in 2004. He moved to Dorset in 2002 and built a studio from where his beautiful, hand-made frames and mounts are driven to London once a month. Mark is a self-confessed Muso and accomplished guitarist.
Accounts
Natalie joined the company in 1993. She worked at the gallery for many years, so plenty of you will know and recognise her. She returned to her native Edinburgh when her third child was born, but continues to look after all aspects of the company finances. Known for her sage advice as well as unbounding energy, when she isn’t crunching numbers you will probably find her with her family on the steep slopes of a Scottish Glen (probably crunching numbers as she walks).
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OUR HISTORY
To provide beautiful and interesting pictures affordable from income was the aim of Robert Abbott and Eric Holder when they started dealing together in 1936. For eighty-five years it has remained our policy to stock pictures that are within the means of as broad a section of the population as possible. So, most of our stock of British pictures from c.1750 – c.2000 are priced between £500 and £50,000.
The first of our famous ‘Lists’ was issued in 1942 as a way of introducing and publicising new acquisitions. Then, after World War II, Robert Abbott bought a large house in Castelnau Road that acted as both gallery and his home. The house, now famous in the history of collecting, became something of a Mecca for enthusiasts. The Partnership remained a family matter with the founder’s nephew, John Abbott, joining Eric Holder from 1971-81. Then in 1984 Philip Athill, who was already an Assistant, became a Partner. Philip and John moved the company to Museum Street in 1987 and added Paper Conservation to the business. On John’s retirement in 2001 we became a Limited Company of which Philip Athill was Managing Director. Tom Edwards joined the company in 2003 having read Art History at the Courtauld Institute. He became a Director in 2012. Philip Athill retired in 2021 and Tom Edwards is now owner and Managing Director.
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