Business Details
23 Years
experience
Contemporary Art Gallery in London
The Empire was established in 2003 as one of the UK's pioneering online art galleries. We specialise in discovering and promoting emerging contemporary artists from prestigious art institutions, offering a curated selection of original paintings, sculptures, and limited editions. Our platform provides art collectors with investment opportunities in early-career artists, supported by a 16-year track record of successful artist development. We operate physical exhibition spaces at Somerset House and Bankside Hotel in London, complemented by nationwide delivery services. Our team of art specialists offers tailored consultancy services for private and commercial clients, alongside innovative initiatives like the annual Signature Art Prize for emerging talent.Through partnerships such as the Own Art financing scheme, we make contemporary art acquisition accessible to all collectors. Our expertise extends to corporate art solutions, interior design projects, and bespoke art commissions. As founding members of the Association of Women Art Dealers, we champion diversity in the art market. Our proprietary The Empire platform powers digital art commerce solutions for galleries worldwide. With a proven track record of 127% average investment returns across our represented artists' portfolios, we combine market expertise with a commitment to nurturing artistic talent.
Services
Contemporary art sales
Art investment advice
Artist residencies
Art rental services
Art commissions
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We have 20+ years' experience promoting emerging contemporary artists
- Our team handpicks promising talent from prestigious UK art institutions
- We offer interest-free Own Art financing for art purchases
- We provide free UK shipping on all artwork deliveries
- Our art consultancy services cater to private and corporate clients
Associations and certifications
- Own Art
Services
Contemporary art sales
We offer an extensive collection of original contemporary artworks from emerging artists. Our curated selection includes paintings, sculptures, and limited editions suitable for both new and experienced collectors. All artworks come with provenance documentation and expert authentication.
Artist residencies
Our residency programmes provide artists with creative development opportunities in partnership with London venues. Selected artists receive exhibition space, professional support, and exposure through our industry networks to advance their careers.
Art investment advice
We provide expert guidance on building art collections with investment potential. Our specialists help clients identify promising emerging artists and navigate the contemporary art market with informed purchasing decisions.
Art rental services
Our rental programme allows clients to display high-quality contemporary artworks in commercial or residential spaces. This flexible solution provides rotating art access without permanent acquisition commitments.
Art commissions
We facilitate bespoke art commissions for private and corporate clients. Our network of artists creates tailored pieces to specific requirements, working closely with clients through the entire commissioning process.
People
Isobel Beauchamp
Director & Co-Founder
Co-founder of The Empire with 20+ years' experience in contemporary art curation and artist development. Leads art selection and strategic direction.
Elinor Olisa
Director & Co-Founder
Co-founder with expertise in art market development and artist representation. Oversees business operations and international expansion initiatives.
Jenna Sachs
Artist Recruitment and Retention Curator
Responsible for identifying emerging talent and maintaining artist relationships. Develops career pathways for artists within the DegreeArt ecosystem.
Questions
How can I purchase artwork online?
Browse our collection and complete purchases securely through our website using PayPal or contact us for Own Art financing options.
Do you offer art investment advice?
Yes, our specialists provide expert guidance on building art collections with investment potential from emerging contemporary artists.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept payments through PayPal and offer interest-free Own Art financing for purchases between £100-£2,500.
How does art rental work?
Our rental programme provides access to contemporary artworks for commercial or residential spaces with flexible terms and rotating selections.
Can I commission custom artwork?
Yes, we facilitate bespoke commissions through our network of artists, working closely to create tailored pieces for specific requirements.
What delivery options are available?
We offer free UK shipping on all artwork deliveries and arrange worldwide shipping for international collectors.
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