From launching the gallery in a recession, to launching the Secret Art Prize, Curious Duke Gallery has taken London by storm as they defy the pop up culture and keep their cosy east London gallery space for the 4th year in a row making it a now a rare gem of East London and a great place to buy original and limited edition art work from.
Starting out in September 2011, Curious Duke Gallery has defied the pressure to become a pop up and online shop and has managed to maintain a permanent and cosy gallery space in London. Founded by now 28-year-old Eleni Duke, dubbed the Duchess of Whitecross Street which houses the gallery, Curious Duke Gallery has become a rare survivor in a city where permanent art galleries are becoming a dying breed. This is mainly due to increasing costs and rising rates. Despite rent and rates increases Curious Duke Gallery has grown exponentially to great acclaim having won second place in Smarta 100 Micro Business Awards 2013, launching the internationally acclaimed Secret Art Prize and now represents some of the most exciting talents that the UK has ever produced.
Duke states ‘it has been so lovely to develop a gallery that has fantastic community of artists and collectors alike. The gallery has always been on Whitecross Street of which I feel like it is now becoming part of its landscape and community. I started the gallery when I was 24, as a self-funded project whilst working part time in a chemist. It hasn’t been the smoothest of rides but it has been one of the most exciting. To know that this year we will be celebrating our 4th birthday makes me proud of my achievements and will hopefully be a message to any young entrepreneur that with enough determination and spirit you will eventually reach your goal!’
Curious Duke Gallery began as a platform for emerging artists with an interest and practice inspired by contemporary and urban art. Most importantly, these artworks would be affordable; collectors need not be priced out of the market, whether first time or seasoned buyer let us not forget that 2011 was the beginning of the recession. Duke wanted to create a gallery that catered for all levels of collectors- for art to be accessible whilst promoting the best new talent. Moreover, the gallery would not be a cold white cube that feared personality; it would become the quintessential anti-gallery, leading to the dubbing of Duke as the Duchess of Whitecross Street; Curious Duke Gallery of 2015 most certainly reflects this vision.
To put the cherry on top of your art buying experience, Curious Duke Gallery offer framing, installation and curation of the art work in your home. Offered as a package or separate services, the gallery can offer framing to stave off indecision and install the piece amongst your existing frames and art work; your very own gallery wall in your home courtesy of Curious Duke Gallery.
