It’s a gallery with as much provenance as the art within; three generation of experts and a heritage that dates back over 260 years. Gladwell Patterson now enjoys a presence of Oakham’s Mill Street – Gladwell Rutland – with a mission statement to bring beautiful art to the area…

On entering the welcoming green door in Mill Street – mind the step – novice and art connoisseur alike are met with the inimitable ambience of a rich and exquisite collection of paintings and sculptures.

Each item carefully selected with a discerning eye and a true passion for art, giving a nod to the owner’s expertise and experience. Gladwells’ 260 years’ heritage is evident from the start. Passed through several generations it nurtures the very gallery where the art is displayed. Surrounded by such delightful works there is an immediate temptation to acquire.

Cory Fuller, third generation of the Fuller family greets us with a warm welcome and explains; “Collecting art is about forming a relationship with someone in the art world who you can trust.”

“Our reputation and our clients’ trust are our most valuable assets and it is our strong, long term relationships with our clients that has sustained the business over time.”

“The key is to be in a position to buy well, to discover new artists and to be sufficiently confident to buy outright. Many hours are spent searching, researching and viewing works of art in situ, all over the world. We listen to our clients and their specific objectives, recognising that an art collection is a deeply personal and unique asset that may one day be passed down through the generations.”

Cory talks about the ‘thrill of acquisitions by clients; they learn from us and we learn from them.’   An initial purchase may be the start of a collection and it is the role of the art dealer to assist and advise on the suitability of the next piece to enhance every step.

Cory’s enthusiasm is palpable when she talks of the paintings and artists, emphasising Gladwells’ philosophy of only buying art that they themselves like.

We learn that the focus is on 19th and 20th century oils and water colours, complimented by contemporary paintings and sculptures by leading artists whilst holding true to the core business of representational art.

There is the odd excursion into abstraction – when the work in question is just too good to miss.  Here it’s important to note Cory’s lead in the Gladwell’s art advisory service that sources specific works for clients worldwide and combines transparent advice with broad reaching art market intelligence.

Navigating today’s art market with an annual turnover of some £52 bn, is not for the faint hearted and competence gained over several generations provides a sound platform for successful acquisition and provides a comfortable point of entry for the client at all levels.

As with all investments, Cory explains due diligence is the key alongside, provenance and authenticity and this goes hand in hand with quality and price. An additional gallery at this time is a sign of quiet confidence in its own expertise and a growing client base in Rutland.

Founded in 1752, Gladwell is one of the oldest established art dealers in London and steeped in history; the archives reveal connections to several Lord Mayors of the City of London, The National Gallery, The National Portrait Gallery and Royal Warrants granted from services to Queen Victoria, Queen Alexandra, King George V and Queen Mary.

We also learn that the young Mr Gladwell became a close friend and correspondent of Vincent van Gogh whilst the artist was working at Goupils during his stay in

London.

A persuasive heritage that led to Cory’s grandfather taking over the business in 1927, with his son Anthony joining the gallery in 1969 and later with Cory and her brother Glenn waiting in the wings.

“Our parents have given us the greatest gift and their values of integrity, trust and love of art are at the centre of our endeavour to facilitating people finding that special piece that is right for them.”

With Cory and the Fuller family at the helm, it is easy to see how this gallery will thrive and develop into something of a focal point in Oakham, and possibly Rutland. A place for enjoying and absorbing art in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and gaining informed comments and sound advice.

Cory hopes that, if you haven’t already been, please do pay a visit and enjoy some very special pieces of the current display and try to catch her before she delves into the gallery’s very first dedicated exhibition in October, namely Portraits of France, that promises to be a vibrant and evocative display of French impressionists’ and post-impressionists’ work that will mellow the autumnal chill.

Find Out More: Cory Fuller is the third generation in the Fuller family of gallery owners and the founder of Gladwells Rutland. Cory studied art history at Kings College, London and continued her post graduate studies at the Courtauld Institute of Art, specialising in French  19th century painting. Gladwell Rutland is based on Oakham’s Mill Street, call 07866 450070 or see gladwellpatterson.com.