We were also the agents for Edward Burra and L.S.Lowry and exhibited their work regularly. As well, we introduced the paintings of the Scottish Colourists to Glasgow and London and showed Cadell and Peploe many times.

 

It has been the most dramatic time to be an art dealer, watching the prices rise for masterpieces from relatively modest levels to the astronomical heights of the Japanese fuelled boom of the late 1980's.

 

The 1990's were tough after the Japanese pulled out, but now the market has recovered. However there are only a finite number of good paintings and it became more and more difficult to find enough top paintings to justify our large premises. So, in 2001, the Partners decided, sadly, to close the Gallery and lead a slightly quieter life.

 

I now have premises near my home in London's Chelsea and will continue as a private dealer and consultant, dealing with the same quality of works of art that I have been used to, 19th and 20th Century Paintings, Drawings and Sculpture and 20th Century British Art and act on behalf of the many wonderful clients and friends I have built up after a lifetime in Bruton Street.

 

Martin Summers