Notes on…London galleries

Everybody knows that the London art scene is thriving, and so of course the big international commercial galleries have set up here: Gagosian, David Zwirner, Hauser & Wirth and Pace. This global razzmatazz puts pressure on the city’s home-grown independent galleries — especially those in Cork Street in Mayfair. Cork Street has been at the heart of London’s art scene for more than 90 years, and helped launch some of the most famous artists of modern times. It is now closing for redevelopment by international landlords, so let’s hope they appreciate the street’s cultural importance and welcome the galleries back.

But we don’t have to lament too long for Cork Street — London’s gallery sector is always in flux. While the top end thrives on international reputation and big-name shows, less famous, more nimble galleries are always ready to rush in to fill any smaller gaps. There are more and more opportunities to promote the work of lesser-known artists.