Shane Akeroyd

This route takes you through the artists and galleries that have shaped my journey as a collector—those I have supported, the practices I am watching with excitement and a few legends along the way.

We begin in Mayfair at Hazlitt Holland-Hibbert with David Hockney. Legends are legends. No explanation needed.

Around the corner is Sadie Coles HQ on Bury Street, where Tau Lewis has her first show with the gallery. I am so happy Sadie is showing Tau—her presentation in the 2022 Venice Biennale was incredible, and I am hoping I will be able to add something of hers to the collection soon. Sadie has been a great friend and consigliere of mine for years. Also concurrently showing at Sadie’s Kingly Street space is Ugo Rondinone who is fantastic.

From there, head to Sprüth Magers for The Categorical Bind by Gala Porras-Kim. I have been following Gala’s work for a while through Commonwealth and Council in LA and already have some of her work but need more. And, of course, Sprüth Magers are amazing, so I am delighted to see them represent Gala. 

At the top of Savile Row, Ordovas is showing Sculpted, a group exhibition exploring the emotional force of negative space in sculpture. Barbara Hepworth is another legend, and her Bronze Form (Patmos) is a standout. At the other end of the street, Luxembourg & Co. is presenting In Plain Sight, a group show featuring Man Ray, Piero Manzoni, Bruce McLean, and Maurizio Cattelan. Manzoni and McLean were formative figures for me back in the day.

Next, head east to Herald St’s Museum Street space, where Nicole Wermers is showing Tails & Fainters. I am close with Nicky and Ash and so Herald St holds a special place for me. I am lucky enough to call Nicole a friend and gifted a major work of hers to Tate last year.

On to Shoreditch, to Amanda Wilkinson Gallery, where Derek Jarman A Chronology: The Black Paintings Part I 1984 - 1987 is on view. Both Amanda and Derek are lifelong favourites and have been an extremely important part of my life in London and collecting journey in general.

In Bethnal Green, mother’s tankstation is showing Stephen Wong Chun Hei. I have collected from them before, including Yuko Mohri, who represented Japan at the Venice Biennale last year.

Finally, head south to White Cube Bermondsey for Richard Hunt’s retrospective Metamorphosis. White Cube started me with artists like Damien Hirst and Brian Eno back in the early ’90s and they are now helping me with Theaster Gates. Love them!