Three of London's most prominent gallerists—Maureen Paley, Sadie Coles, and Stuart Shave—are opening substantial new spaces in the capital, defying pessimism about the London art market. Paley has moved into part of Wolfgang Tillmans's former studio at 4 Herald Street, Coles will occupy a townhouse at 17 Savile Row from 14 October, and Shave's Modern Art will take over a double shopfront at 8 Bennet Street, St James's, from 14 November. In an interview with The Art Newspaper, they discuss their motivations: Paley cites serendipity and historical significance, Coles sought a different kind of space for her artists, and Shave needed consolidation under one roof.
This expansion matters because it signals strong confidence in London as an international art hub despite challenges like Brexit and changing tax rules. The gallerists emphasize London's enduring energy, vibrant museum scene, and growing collector interest from the US and Middle East. Their moves also reflect a strategic shift toward longer, more meaningful exhibitions—a response to a challenging market that prioritizes deeper engagement with collectors over rapid turnover.