Simon Lee Gallery

Simon Lee Gallery is an international contemporary art gallery with a rich history and a diverse roster of artists. Founded in 2002 by Simon Lee, a seasoned art dealer and gallerist with over 30 years of experience, the gallery has become a prominent player in the global art scene.

Simon Lee's journey in the art world began with his grandparents, who were collectors, publishers, and printers with a keen interest in books and pictures. He pursued art history at university, studying in Australia and Paris, before working for the French Ministry of Culture as an archaeologist. His thesis on Pop and Conceptual art, combined with his experience at the Guggenheim in Venice, laid the groundwork for his future endeavors.

In London, Lee worked for Christie's and Gimpel Fils gallery, honing his skills in the art market. His tenure as a director at Anthony d'Offay Gallery, one of the most successful and influential contemporary art galleries in London, proved to be a formative experience. Lee cites d'Offay as a significant influence on his work ethic and approach to artist representation.

In 1997, Lee established his own gallery, '11 Duke Street,' and in 2002, he acquired a premises on Berkeley Street, officially founding Simon Lee Gallery. The gallery has since expanded its presence, opening a second space in Hong Kong in 2012 and a third in New York in 2017, although the New York location was closed in 2020.

Simon Lee Gallery represents over 35 established and emerging contemporary artists and estates, showcasing a wide range of practices, from sculpture and painting to video and photography. The gallery is known for its rigorously curated exhibitions and strong relationships with artists, collectors, and institutions. Lee emphasizes the relationship-driven nature of the art world, stating that the gallery's identity is intrinsically linked to its artists and their quality of work.

Throughout its history, Simon Lee Gallery has fostered the careers of many notable artists, including Cindy Sherman, Angela Bulloch, Hans Peter Feldmann, Christopher Wool, and Sonia Boyce. The gallery's exhibitions have received critical acclaim and have contributed to the development of contemporary art discourse.