Charlie Wheatley
How does Scouting for Art work?
Scouting for Art is about direct selling of fine art. I go scouting around the country in search of new and exciting artists to represent and showcase on the website, and as I don’t have to support the costs of a gallery, the art can be very affordably priced.
Don’t most buyers want to see the art in person before buying?
People can get a good impression from the website and, as a lot of the artists are based in London, it’s simple to arrange personal viewings at the artist’s studio, or we can take the art straight to the client. Being small, we also have a close relationship with each artist so it’s even possible for us to arrange commission work.
Where did the idea for the website come from?
I have a very arty family – my uncle was the architect who designed World’s End in Chelsea and the library at the Royal Academy – and I was one of those kids who seemed to live in the art classroom. I knew I had a good eye for art and was aware that there is a market for high quality art at realistic prices, so, after I’d done my foundation course at Camberwell School of Art, I decided to start a gallery. However, as I didn’t have sufficient funds to rent a space, I fell upon the idea of a web-based gallery.
How do you go about finding the artists?
I visit the degree shows around the country looking for art that is original and exciting. As criteria, I am looking for talent which is universally appealing and clever but also fun and ‘off the wall’. I want to find the right art for specific environments – whether that’s someone’s living room or a fancy bar/restaurant. I hope there is something on the site for
everybody.
Is there a limit to how many artists you will represent?
I plan not to represent more than 30 artists at any one time – this way I can keep things personal and maintain a close contact with all of them. I do my best to keep up with what they’re each up to and attend any showings they are involved in – I want to get to know them as much as possible so that we can rely on each other. Also, if a client wants to commission work, it’s important that I know enough about the artist to recommend them.
In due course would you like to have your own gallery?
At the moment my strategy is not to have one, but saying that, some day, hopefully…
Interview by Rise magazine Feb 09
Delivery Prices & Studio Viewings
There is a standard delivery charge of £30 for greater London and all other UK distinantions are subject to quotes depending of distance and size of work.
All studio viewings are free and arranged by Scouting for Art, usually at the artist's studio where the artists present their work to the client. Most of our artists have studio's based in London but if the artwork if further afield, Scouting for Art can collect the art and take to clients.
Scouting for Art's Copyright Policy
SFA is committed to respecting the property rights of the artists. We have therefore taken all reasonable efforts to ensure that the reproduction of all content on these pages is done with the full consent of copyright owners.
The contents of this website can be viewed for your enjoyment and so you may freely access for viewing purposes only. However, the following acts are prohibited in respect of any of the content featured on this website:
· Public performance or display.
· Any rental leasing or lending of any material obtained or derived from the website.
· Any form of reproduction whatsoever, including without limitation, the extraction and/or storage in any retrieval system or inclusion in any other computer program or work.
· Any reproduction whatsoever of details, alterations and adaptations of works.