How finding that perfect piece of art can inspire you for a lifetime

16 Feb How finding that perfect piece of art can inspire you for a lifetime

“Art is more than just a painting on the wall – it can capture a memory or an emotion…” Discover some remarkable art to make your home come alive at Clarendon Fine Art.

For art that will make you the envy of your friends and family, Christopher Place has just the gallery.

Clarendon, St Albans, opened its doors almost a decade ago and is a favourite with people who have an eye for great art as well as those looking for something a bit special.

Luisa Capocci is senior gallery manager and has worked there for four years where she began as an art dealer. She said what she loves most about her role is the interaction with the customers she has met, many of whom have become her friends.

She said: “I see myself to be very lucky that my role is largely talking to brilliant people about spectacular artwork and helping them build a collection that brings their walls to life or assisting in them acquiring the final pieces in their collection.”

I asked Luisa why she feels art is important. She explained that to her art is more than just a painting on the wall and that it can capture a memory or an emotion. She told me that people acquire art different reasons. Sometimes it’s because of the look of the piece – they might see something and cannot explain why but they just love it. Sometimes it is due to the investment potential.

She talked about the huge historical and cultural significance within art such as Britain’s most prevalent artist of the 20th century, L.S Lowry who she explained captured industrial Britain as it was during his era.

She said he is one of the most iconic figures of his time because of his contribution to society through his artistic vision.

She added: “Sounds a little cliché, but finding the right piece of artwork to complete your home can truly be lifechanging. Finding or stumbling across the perfect piece that you love can inspire you for a lifetime.”

Is it just for the rich or famous? Luisa says not: “I feel so privileged to work for such an inspirational CEO in Helen Swaby.

“Helen built this company from the ground up in a bid to combat the perception that art galleries are elitest and created a gallery that is for anyone to enjoy.

“Whether they are coming in to browse and be inspired by the exhibit, or if they want to buy an investment piece that’s upwards of £100,000, we are pleased to welcome anyone and everyone.”

Clarendon does have famous customers visiting the gallery but unfortunately Luisa said she cannot share that information with me.

Alongside Luisa at the St Albans gallery are Harriet, and Corinna. Luisa said: “Harriet is the brainbox with an MA from Oxford University in Classics, so she is our go-to when it comes to the historical 20th century investment works that we hold in our portfolio.

“Corinna has a first-class BA in Fine Arts from Loughborough University and is our resident artist of the team; listening to Corinna breakdown the painterly techniques could have you mesmerised all day. It’s a real pleasure to have such a dream team with me in St Albans!”

Working on a consultative basis with clients in St Albans and the surrounding area, sometimes they are out and about on the road taking artwork to customers’ homes.

They represent more than 300 artists – including Banksy – and have countless new releases and events as well as seeing it as their duty to keep their collectors in the loop.

Interestingly, there are other Clarendon galleries across the country, with one in Harpenden.

If you want to bring your walls to life, find a key investment piece or deck out a new build, the team can help you. Call 01727 844466 if you would like a chat.

Open Mondays – Saturdays 9.30am – 5.30pm, Sundays 11am – 5pm.