Economic and political headwinds may be buffeting the global art market, but several emerging and mid-tier galleries in London are adapting by expanding and opening bigger spaces.
Some, such as Castor Gallery, are taking a lone wolf approach. The gallery’s founder Andy Wicks is relocating from a growing hub in Fitzrovia to a Grade II listed church in Angel, north London—an area not known for its galleries. “I see Castor becoming more of a destination gallery, it’s a unique space that will be unlike anything in London in an area steeped in history,” Wicks says, noting that the market is “currently challenging” as it adjusts to a slow down in sales. “Being nimble is important,” he adds.
Holy Trinity church, which is being leased to Wicks by the diocese of London, was constructed between 1827-29 and designed by Charles Barry, who was the chief architect for the Houses of Parliament. “Creating a new gallery space in such a historic building and neighbourhood is an opportunity you don’t get every day,” Wicks says. The move sees an expansion of exhibition space spread across two purpose-built galleries and offices.
The new gallery will launch in April with a debut London solo exhibition, Firing of the Idols, by Fabian Ramírez, a Mexican, London-based artist. Works range from £2,000 to £15,000, with an altarpiece priced at £30,000. Alongside the exhibition programme, Wicks plans to host a revolving series of outdoor sculptures in the garden leading to the gallery entrance.
Relocation is not new to the dealer. Wicks first established his gallery in Deptford in 2016, upgrading to larger spaces in the south London neighbourhood several times. In 2022, he moved to the more expensive Fitzrovia, where he has shared a space with Indigo + Madder for the past 18 months (their lease is not up until May and future plans will be shared in due course).