McKay Williamson: A New Gallery Partnership
Over the last 18 months William and Richard, founder of McKay Williamson Gallery in Ladbroke have been working on their new partnership and, as prints start to fly out the door, look to new exhibitions to round of 2023.
About The Gallery
“Art is personal.” Those are the words of McKay Williamson founder, Richard Williamson, and that’s the feeling you get when you walk in to their beautiful gallery space in Ladbroke, West London.
The classic exposed brickwork offers a delightful juxtaposition to Richard’s meticulously curated modern art collection, with pieces from Robi Walters, Emily Swift-Jones and Nick Veasey hanging along side those of William’s.
Richard’s eye for the unique has seen him and William work through the many, many images he has created in Africa and the Arctic in the last four years to curate a beautiful series of original works.
Walk The Line, Amboseli, 2022
A New Partnership
William and McKay Williamson started working together in 2021, quietly at first as they worked to establish the kinds of works best suited the gallery but now have their sights on a private exhibition in December 2023. Ahead of this we sat down with Richard to ask him a few questions about William, his work and photography’s role in the art market.
1) What was it that attracted you to William’s work and made you approach him to work together?
There are several factors for a gallerist – I love the authentic nature of his work, plus William has a reputation for being uber professional.
2) How do you see William fitting in amongst your other artists and what part do you feel fine art nature photography plays in the art market?
Since Ansel Adams and Peter Beard, exceptional nature photography has been celebrated by the art world. Sadly, we may be the last generation to marvel at these beautiful creatures in the wild. William’s work is sharing that story.
3) Your collectors have chosen a wide variety of pieces from William’s collections so far, but do you have a personal favourite you’d love to hang on your wall?
‘After Shock’. Not only does it have a great story, but it describes every relationship I know, including mine!
‘After Shock’, one of William’s latest images
4) Where do you see William’s work heading next, is there a species you’d like to see him photograph or a region? Perhaps a switch to more people centric work?
I would love to see him infuse his work with his beliefs, the way Peter Beard and David Attenborough have done. I don’t know how he’d do this, but I know how deeply passionate about these animals he is, and story is everything.
5) Last one - You are about to show a series of William’s work at The Old War Offices, one of London’s most influential historical buildings. Can you tell us a little more about this exhibition?
For a limited time, and in limited numbers, we have a pop-up of very cool art at London’s hottest venue. What more need be said?
‘Born Wild’, one of the pieces on display at The Old War Offices next week
William’s private show at the Old War Offices is open from 13-14th December and because of the nature of the building is by appointment only. If you are interested in attending please use the form below to arrange a viewing with Richard.
