Simmons and Simmons Art Collection

A wonderful opportunity to visit the contemporary art collection of the law firm Simmons and Simmons.

This event was organised by the London Art History Society and we were led round by the curator and retired partner, Stuart Evans. Stuart spoke very passionately about the work and it was fascinating to hear about how it had been acquired and why they had supported various artists. It was also fascinating to hear him talk about the current contemporary art market.

The firm had started collecting just as the Young British Artists movement took off and their work was well represented. There was a big Damien Hirst spot picture in the canteen and Stuart talked about how it was painted and how the value is not in the work but the idea. If the company needed to move it and have it repainted somewhere else then it would still be classed as the same work.

I loved the way the work was spread out around the building with large iconic pieces in reception but also smaller works in corridors and statement pieces in meeting rooms. We talked about the hazards of having the work in a public space and Stuart did say some of his annual budget was set aside for repairs.

 

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