Classic Art London Puts Pre-Contemporary Art On The Map

London’s vibrant summer arts calendar gains a major new addition this year with the launch of Classic Art London, a collegial dealer-led initiative that brings together some of the capital’s foremost specialists in old and modern masterworks. Running from 23 June to 4 July 2025, the event spotlights exceptional exhibitions and events across galleries in St. James’s and Mayfair—two of London’s most prestigious art districts.

Timed to coincide with the city’s high season of culture—including the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, the Treasure House Fair, and major auction house sales—Classic Art London aims to position the capital as a global destination for historic and pre-contemporary art. The event will feature selling exhibitions, curated tours, talks, and book launches, with participating dealers opening their doors to collectors, curators and the art-loving public.

“Unlike an art fair, this event is deeply rooted in the gallery experience. It encourages exploration, conversation, and connection—key ingredients for meaningful engagement with classic art.” – Rachel Elwes

“Classic Art London is a welcome phoenix to rise from the ashes of previous endeavours,” says Karen Taylor. “It offers a cohesive platform for showcasing the incredible range and depth of expertise found in London’s galleries.”

Artistic Programme

Key highlights include a presentation of works by J.M.W. Turner at Guy Peppiatt Fine Art, a rare collection of Renaissance bronzes at Colnaghi, and newly discovered watercolours by Victorian explorer-artist Constance Gordon-Cumming at Karen Taylor Fine Art. Other standout exhibitions range from portrait miniatures and Italian ceramics to British Impressionists, terracotta sculpture, and nineteenth-century Venetian scenes.

The event also features an illustrated map by artist Adam Dant, linking the participating venues and outlining a programme of late-night openings, ‘Meet the Expert’ sessions, and themed tours. Talks will explore topics such as climate change’s impact on collections, fantasy versus reality in portraiture, and the growing phenomenon of shared institutional curation.

Rachel Elwes of Ben Elwes Fine Art adds: “Unlike an art fair, this event is deeply rooted in the gallery experience. It encourages exploration, conversation, and connection—key ingredients for meaningful engagement with classic art.” With its mix of exhibitions, scholarship, and community spirit, the art showcase is poised to become a highlight of the summer art season.

The event has already drawn enthusiasm from international collectors and museum professionals, with many planning their visits to London to coincide with the showcase. As Tom Dawnay of Trinity Fine Art notes, “Classic Art London reinforces the city’s place on the international art map and reminds us of the vital role galleries play in offering access to knowledge and discovery.”

This story first appeared in the June issue of The Peak Malaysia.