Rafael Valls
Opened in 1976 by Rafael Valls and his wife Carole, the gallery was first established in Bury Street, later moving to Ryder Street. It then settled on Duke Street where it is still today. From the very beginning, Rafael Valls focuses on Old Master Paintings – Dutch, Flemish and Spanish paintings from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The gallery is a member of The Society of London Art Dealers.
Rafael Valls
Opened in 1976 by Rafael Valls and his wife Carole, the gallery was first established in Bury Street, later moving to Ryder Street. It then settled on Duke Street where it is still today. From the very beginning, Rafael Valls focuses on Old Master Paintings – Dutch, Flemish and Spanish paintings from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The gallery is a member of The Society of London Art Dealers.
Antique Art
11 Duke Street, St. James’s
London SW1Y 6BN, UK
+44 207 930 1144
toby@rafaelvalls.co.uk
Saint Francis in the Deser
Giovanni Bellini (ca. 1430/35-1516)
Circa 1476 – 1478
Oil on panel
Panel: 124,6 x 142cm (49 1/16 x 55 7/8 in.)
Frick Collection (1915.1.03)
All our Interviews
Read all our exclusive interviews with antique, modern, contemporary & primitive art dealers.
Interview with Toby Campbell ~ Director
Toby Campbell in Rafael Valls Ltd.
Interview by Pauline Loeb-Obrenan, founder of artfairmag.
For about 25 years, Rafael Valls puts an emphasis on museum-quality Master Paintings. Besides the expensive works that have built its strong reputation, the gallery also offers more affordable and still lovely pieces to meet the demand of young collectors. I have spoken with Toby Campbell, Director of the gallery, about his background, the gallery and the antique art market.
artfairmag: Toby, for those who don’t know you, who are you and how did antique art come to you?
Toby Campbell: I am a Director of Rafael Valls Ltd and have been there for over 20 years. I first worked for Rafael Valls in my gap year having gained a passion for Art at school and realised that this was what I wanted to do.
artfairmag: The gallery’s offer within the Old Master Paintings is quite broad. In addition to your core specialty – Dutch, Flemish and Spanish paintings – you often present English and French 18th and 19th century works. How do you choose the paintings you sell?
T. C.: You are right, we do have a very eclectic taste over our core areas. We like to choose paintings we would happily like to own ourselves. Another key ingredient to them is condition and quality. We do not worry if the artist is not well known. If the painting appeals to us and it falls within our criteria then we will try to buy it.
artfairmag: The gallery has built an enviable reputation by its high-quality paintings that have all been carefully selected. Who can afford them? Are they private collectors or institutions?
T. C.: We are lucky to deal with private collectors from many countries around the world as well as many large and smaller institutions. We try to be affordable to anyones budget who is looking for a good painting.
“We like to choose paintings we would happily like to own ourselves. Another key ingredient to them is condition and quality.”
artfairmag: You organise once a year an exhibition to present artworks under £15.000. Can you explain what motivated this brilliant initiative?
T. C.: As I mentioned before we are not afraid to buy something by a very minor painter if it is exceptional and this is what motivated this idea. We felt that too many really good paintings go ignored because they are not by a recognised name. It is also trying to encourage anyone to look (established and new collectors) and see what we have and to feel that they can afford or are buying a really good painting.
artfairmag: Speaking of exhibitions, are the works presented in your thematic exhibitions – such as Sex & Sensuality in 2018, for example – all from your own stock or do you use loans?
T. C.: We try to use our own stock as the genesis of the idea of the exhibition and then bolster it with loans from colleagues. We used to try and obtain loans from institutions, but it has become too costly to continue with that sadly.
artfairmag: On your website, visitors can explore the gallery, discover selected works and see paintings from past exhibitions. You seem to be in phase with the digitalization that is taking place in the art market with the current health crisis. Do you think the profession of art dealer will have to evolve in the next few years?
T. C.: Digitaliztion has always been an important part of our business and this crisis has only increased the pace of development. I am convinced it will develop further in the coming years. I don’t think though that digital art fairs will ever replace the physical art fair.
artfairmag: Last but not least, could you present a painting that is special for you?
T. C.: I have always loved Giovanni Bellini’s St Francis in the Frick. It is a jaw dropping painting so full of incident and beauty you can stare at it for months and still find something new every time.
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Brimo de Laroussilhe
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@guillaume.bresson at @galerieobadia. You have to see this stunning exhibition featuring 8 breathtaking paintings exploring the theme of falling. I love the way Guillaume Bresson takes inspiration from classical painting codes and techniques while bringing an incredibly contemporary touch to it.
Not to be missed under any circumstances!
Galerie Nathalie Obadia, 3 rue du Cloître Saint-Merri, 75003 Paris.
18 November 2023 - 13 January 2024
#guillaumebresson #nathalieobadia #chiaroscuro #clairobscur #caravage #caravaggio #contemporarypainting #amazingart #artlover #artcurator #artcurators
Dec 1
@guillaume.bresson at @galerieobadia. You have to see this stunning exhibition featuring 8 breathtaking paintings exploring the theme of falling. I love the way Guillaume Bresson takes inspiration from classical painting codes and techniques while bringing an incredibly contemporary touch to it.
Not to be missed under any circumstances!
Galerie Nathalie Obadia, 3 rue du Cloître Saint-Merri, 75003 Paris.
18 November 2023 - 13 January 2024
#guillaumebresson #nathalieobadia #chiaroscuro #clairobscur #caravage #caravaggio #contemporarypainting #amazingart #artlover #artcurator #artcurators
@dejonckheerefineart at @fabparisfair 2023. @lauradejonckheere presents a painting by Pieter Brughel the Younger from 1627.
#pieterbrughel #fabparis #antiquepainting #flemishpainting #oldmaster #oldmasterpaintings #oldmasters #brughel #artworkoftheday #artgallery #artofinstagram
Nov 30
@dejonckheerefineart at @fabparisfair 2023. @lauradejonckheere presents a painting by Pieter Brughel the Younger from 1627.
#pieterbrughel #fabparis #antiquepainting #flemishpainting #oldmaster #oldmasterpaintings #oldmasters #brughel #artworkoftheday #artgallery #artofinstagram
@douwesfineart at @pan_amsterdam 2023. @evertdouwes presents a painting by #jeanpierrecassigneul @cassigneul_official.
#panamsterdam #contemporaryart #figurativeart #figurativepainting #artgallery #artworkofinstagram #paintingoftheday #colorfulart
Nov 28
@douwesfineart at @pan_amsterdam 2023. @evertdouwes presents a painting by #jeanpierrecassigneul @cassigneul_official.
#panamsterdam #contemporaryart #figurativeart #figurativepainting #artgallery #artworkofinstagram #paintingoftheday #colorfulart
@wiloandgrove at @start.strasbourg 2023. Co founder @fannysaulay presents a watercolor by @raphaele_ele.
#raphaeleanfre #watercolour #watercolor #womanartist #contemporaryart #emergingartist #artmarket #artgallery #colorfulpainting #feminineart
Nov 27
@wiloandgrove at @start.strasbourg 2023. Co founder @fannysaulay presents a watercolor by @raphaele_ele.
#raphaeleanfre #watercolour #watercolor #womanartist #contemporaryart #emergingartist #artmarket #artgallery #colorfulpainting #feminineart
@galerielouissack at @fabparisfair 2023. Co founder @rebekasack presents a painting by #hisaodomoto from 1966.
#fabparis #japaneseartist #postwar #modernart #moderjapaneseart #modernartist #postwarart #japanesemodernart #artgallery #pierresoulages
Nov 26
@galerielouissack at @fabparisfair 2023. Co founder @rebekasack presents a painting by #hisaodomoto from 1966.
#fabparis #japaneseartist #postwar #modernart #moderjapaneseart #modernartist #postwarart #japanesemodernart #artgallery #pierresoulages
📣1 minute in the booth at @start.strasbourg 2023!
▪️Will & Grove: Paris
@wiloandgrove
▪️Sandra Blum
@galeriesandrablum
▪️Guy Peters Gallery: Knokke-Heist
@guypietersgallery
▪️Galerie PJ: Metz
@galerie.pj
▪️Kraemer Gallery: Strasbourg
@kraemer.gallery
#artfair #artgallery #contemporaryart #christo #artcurator #artist
Nov 25
📣1 minute in the booth at @start.strasbourg 2023!
▪️Will & Grove: Paris
@wiloandgrove
▪️Sandra Blum
@galeriesandrablum
▪️Guy Peters Gallery: Knokke-Heist
@guypietersgallery
▪️Galerie PJ: Metz
@galerie.pj
▪️Kraemer Gallery: Strasbourg
@kraemer.gallery
#artfair #artgallery #contemporaryart #christo #artcurator #artist
@galeriearianecy at @pan_amsterdam 2023. Founder Ariane presents a wall ceramic sculpture by @samuelyal.
#artfair #samuelyal #contemporaryart #contemporaryceramics #ceramicart #ceramicartist #emergingartist #artcurator
Nov 24
@galeriearianecy at @pan_amsterdam 2023. Founder Ariane presents a wall ceramic sculpture by @samuelyal.
#artfair #samuelyal #contemporaryart #contemporaryceramics #ceramicart #ceramicartist #emergingartist #artcurator
@start.strasbourg 2023! I’m taking you to St-ART a very qualitative regional art fair, buzzing with young talents, alongside very established artists. A true gem to visit until Sunday!
24-26 November 2023, Strasbourg.
Here are the artists and galeries in order of appearance:
▪️@crespinrm at @galeriesandrablum
▪️@Philippe Dutilleul at @galerie_decorde
▪️@ej_phidut at Galerie Don Carli
▪️@amelie_dauteur_art at @wiloandgrove
▪️@alfrenoartist at @heart_gallery_paris
▪️@brookedidonato at @quandlesfleursnoussauvent
Thank you @laureplusmax for the gorgeous graphic jumpsuit 🖤
#artfair #establishedartist #contemporaryart #emergingartist #emergingart #youngtalent #artcollector #strasbourg #strasbourgevent #artlover #artenthousiasts
Nov 23
@start.strasbourg 2023! I’m taking you to St-ART a very qualitative regional art fair, buzzing with young talents, alongside very established artists. A true gem to visit until Sunday!
24-26 November 2023, Strasbourg.
Here are the artists and galeries in order of appearance:
▪️@crespinrm at @galeriesandrablum
▪️@Philippe Dutilleul at @galerie_decorde
▪️@ej_phidut at Galerie Don Carli
▪️@amelie_dauteur_art at @wiloandgrove
▪️@alfrenoartist at @heart_gallery_paris
▪️@brookedidonato at @quandlesfleursnoussauvent
Thank you @laureplusmax for the gorgeous graphic jumpsuit 🖤
#artfair #establishedartist #contemporaryart #emergingartist #emergingart #youngtalent #artcollector #strasbourg #strasbourgevent #artlover #artenthousiasts
📣 1 minute in the booth at @fabparisfair 2023!
▪️De Jonckheere Gallery: Geneva
@dejonckheerefineart
▪️Galerie Léage: Paris
@galerieleage
▪️Louis & Sack: Paris
@galerielouissack
▪️Desmet Fine Art: Brussels
@desmetgallery
▪️Galerie Christophe Gaillard: Paris
@galeriechristophegaillard
▪️Camille Sourget Bookshop: Paris
@librairiecamillesourget
▪️Galerie Monbrison: Paris
@galeriemonbrison
▪️Galerie Ludorf: Düsseldorf
@galerieludorff
#fabparis #artfair #artdealer #modernart #antiqueart #contemporaryart #artcurator #artofinstagram #instaart #artoftheday
Nov 23
📣 1 minute in the booth at @fabparisfair 2023!
▪️De Jonckheere Gallery: Geneva
@dejonckheerefineart
▪️Galerie Léage: Paris
@galerieleage
▪️Louis & Sack: Paris
@galerielouissack
▪️Desmet Fine Art: Brussels
@desmetgallery
▪️Galerie Christophe Gaillard: Paris
@galeriechristophegaillard
▪️Camille Sourget Bookshop: Paris
@librairiecamillesourget
▪️Galerie Monbrison: Paris
@galeriemonbrison
▪️Galerie Ludorf: Düsseldorf
@galerieludorff
#fabparis #artfair #artdealer #modernart #antiqueart #contemporaryart #artcurator #artofinstagram #instaart #artoftheday
@bail_art partner of @fabparisfair! Clara Pagnussatt, live from the Grand Palais Éphémère, presents the service of art leasing Bail Art is offering to the participating galleries. Thank you Clara 🙏🏻
#artleasing #artrenting #fabparis #artfair #artgallery #artparis #grandpalaisephemere #artcollector #contemporaryart #antiqueart #modernart #fineart
Nov 22
@bail_art partner of @fabparisfair! Clara Pagnussatt, live from the Grand Palais Éphémère, presents the service of art leasing Bail Art is offering to the participating galleries. Thank you Clara 🙏🏻
#artleasing #artrenting #fabparis #artfair #artgallery #artparis #grandpalaisephemere #artcollector #contemporaryart #antiqueart #modernart #fineart
@helenebaillygallery is definitely my must-see booth at @fabparisfair 2023! She presents here 18 stunning pieces of modern art. I fell in love with a massive painting of #sergepoliakoff and a poteaux of a mustketeer paintor by #pablopicasso, both from 1967.
Other great artworks are on view, such as an ostrich by #diegogiacometti, a whimsical clown by #marcchagall, a beach scene by #keesvandongen or three ceramics that are unique pieces by #pablopicasso.
Don’t miss out! Booth B17, Grand Palais Éphémère, 22-26 November.
#modernart #modernpainting #artcollector #claudelalanne #masterpieces #artcurator #artlovers
Nov 22
@helenebaillygallery is definitely my must-see booth at @fabparisfair 2023! She presents here 18 stunning pieces of modern art. I fell in love with a massive painting of #sergepoliakoff and a poteaux of a mustketeer paintor by #pablopicasso, both from 1967.
Other great artworks are on view, such as an ostrich by #diegogiacometti, a whimsical clown by #marcchagall, a beach scene by #keesvandongen or three ceramics that are unique pieces by #pablopicasso.
Don’t miss out! Booth B17, Grand Palais Éphémère, 22-26 November.
#modernart #modernpainting #artcollector #claudelalanne #masterpieces #artcurator #artlovers
@fabparisfair 2023! Born from the merger of Fine Arts and La Biennale, FAB Paris has become much bigger and more international, with 110 carefully selected galleries, from 12 countries. I have truly been impressed by what I’ve seen today. Don’t miss out, I promesse you won’t be disappointed!
22-26 November, Grand Palais Éphémère, Paris.
Here are the name of the galleries, in order they appear in the video:
▪️Didier Aaron - A45
@didieraarongallery
▪️Demisch Danant - C29
@demischdanant
▪️Steinitz - A48
@galerie.steinitz
▪️Jean-Baptiste de Proyart - A46
@proyart21books
▪️Galerie Cahn - C10
@galerie_cahn
▪️Galerie Montanari - C7
@cadres_montanari
▪️Lucas Ratton - A38
@galerielucasratton
▪️Xavier Eeckhout - A7
@xaviereeckhout
▪️Galerie Jean-Christophe Charbonnier - C23
@galeriejccharbonnier
▪️Galerie Sismann - A41
@galeriesismann
▪️Brame & Lorenceau - A20
@bramelorenceau
▪️Frédérique Matteo - C9A
@frederique_mattei
▪️Applicat-Prazan - C2
@applicat_prazan @applicatprazan_premium
#fabparis #antiqueart #finejewelry #oldmasterpainting #artlover #artcurator #artenthusiast #modernpainting #romanscuplture #japanesearmor #bronzesculpture #rarebooks #designfurniture #design #artfair
Nov 21
@fabparisfair 2023! Born from the merger of Fine Arts and La Biennale, FAB Paris has become much bigger and more international, with 110 carefully selected galleries, from 12 countries. I have truly been impressed by what I’ve seen today. Don’t miss out, I promesse you won’t be disappointed!
22-26 November, Grand Palais Éphémère, Paris.
Here are the name of the galleries, in order they appear in the video:
▪️Didier Aaron - A45
@didieraarongallery
▪️Demisch Danant - C29
@demischdanant
▪️Steinitz - A48
@galerie.steinitz
▪️Jean-Baptiste de Proyart - A46
@proyart21books
▪️Galerie Cahn - C10
@galerie_cahn
▪️Galerie Montanari - C7
@cadres_montanari
▪️Lucas Ratton - A38
@galerielucasratton
▪️Xavier Eeckhout - A7
@xaviereeckhout
▪️Galerie Jean-Christophe Charbonnier - C23
@galeriejccharbonnier
▪️Galerie Sismann - A41
@galeriesismann
▪️Brame & Lorenceau - A20
@bramelorenceau
▪️Frédérique Matteo - C9A
@frederique_mattei
▪️Applicat-Prazan - C2
@applicat_prazan @applicatprazan_premium
#fabparis #antiqueart #finejewelry #oldmasterpainting #artlover #artcurator #artenthusiast #modernpainting #romanscuplture #japanesearmor #bronzesculpture #rarebooks #designfurniture #design #artfair