About

Griffin Gallery is committed to supporting the global artistic community, creating a space for discussion about contemporary art and showcasing the very best of national and international talent.

The Griffin Gallery exhibition programme, under the direction of Becca Pelly-Fry, offers a platform for emerging as well as established artists. Each exhibition is complemented with a project in the Perimeter Space; a 16m window space housing experimental projects in the periphery of the main gallery.

Our unique residency programme, run by Mathew Gibson, runs artist-led residencies, and our two studios on the 4th floor are occupied by a wide range of artists from around the world with differing concerns and approaches to making, and benefit from the technical support from the Innovation and Development laboratory.

The Griffin Art Prize is an annual exhibition and studio award for emerging artists in painting and drawing supported by leading fine art brands; Winsor & Newton, Liquitex and Conté à Paris. New for 2017, the Griffin Art Prize will be offered to one outstanding UK based candidate at their location of choice. The winner will receive; a cash stipend of £5000, £2000 in studio rent, materials of choice from supporting brands Winsor & Newton and Liquitex to value £3000 and a showcase of new work to be held alongside the Griffin Art Prize 2018 shortlist exhibition in November at Griffin Gallery. The prize includes a professional support programme; three studio visits from the Griffin Gallery team and chief curator Becca Pelly-Fry, technical support from the Innovation and Development laboratory and a mentoring programme from an arts professional.

The Studio Building houses Griffin Gallery, two purpose built artists’ studios and the head office of ColArt International, family-owned parent company for world renowned art material brands Winsor & Newton, Liquitex, Conté á Paris, Reeves and Lefranc & Bourgeois; whose origins date back to the early 18th Century. Adjoining the studios is the Innovation and Development Laboratory where new artists’ materials are developed, giving resident artists a unique opportunity to learn and experiment with the wealth of materials and knowledge in the ColArt laboratories.

Becca Pelly-Fry, Director & Head Curator: Becca took up post as Director of Griffin Gallery in January 2013, shortly after our parent company, Colart International, had moved into the building. Over the past 4 years Becca has established a strong curatorial programme and a series of highly sought-after artist residencies at Griffin Gallery, putting the organisation firmly on the contemporary art map of London. Becca is also now Head of Artist Engagement for ColArt International, which encompasses leadership of the Artist Engagement Team, supporting and advising the two main fine art brands, Winsor & Newton and Liquitex, and strategic leadership for our global education programme, The Fine Art Collective, operating in 12 countries worldwide.

Karen David, Gallery Manager: Karen joined the gallery in February 2016 as Gallery Manager. As well as managing the exhibition programme, Karen curates the Perimeter Space; a 16m window space that explores experimental projects in the periphery of the main Griffin Gallery space. Karen is also a practicing artist graduated MA Fine Art from Wimbledon College of Art in 2012. In 2013 she initiated Cork Lined Rooms; a collection of studio interviews with artists.

Mathew Gibson, Residency Co-ordinator: Mathew’s focus is the Griffin Residency Programme, which encompasses Project-based and TFAC (The Fine Art Collective) artist residencies. Mathew’s other responsibility is the Griffin Art Prize, established in 2012. Mathew is also a practicing artist, and has recently shown work at CHARLIE SMITH London; London Art Fair; The Future Can Wait and Perfectionism (part II) at Griffin Gallery.

Lucia Camela, Curatorial Assistant: Lucia joined the gallery in February 2016, having previously undertaken a short term internship with us whilst undertaking her MA in Art History, which she successfully completed at the end of 2015. The focus of her dissertation was the development of art prizes and competitions for artists.