* We met in 1995 studying at Christie’s and in 2001 we decided to start jaggedart. We moved to one of the first studios in Westbourne Studios in January 2002, a space that acted more as a storeroom of a gallery, where visitors would come, browse and discover the works that they liked. At the time, we did fairs in London and abroad, and organised visits for our clients to artists’ studios, exhibitions and events. However, it soon materialised that we needed a space to show the works. In 2005 we moved to Marylebone, the first and only premises we looked at, and we are still here...
From the start we have always been true to our taste, and although from very different backgrounds, we were always in accord with the works that we liked. The gallery that we have become evolved organically. The pieces that we love always exude craftsmanship, knowledge of materials, process, the time involved in making the works. The result: beautiful, timeless and poetic works. It seems natural that our backgrounds and experiences in geology, literature, stage-design, textiles, contributed to envisage shows as mis-en-scene, offering dramatic and unconventional hangs, working with the artists to create site-specific installations in stimulating shows.
We have been here in Marylebone now for more than eighteen years. We have seen the area grow, evolve, adapt and change. We are part of a community, the Marylebone village, and we love it.
A gallery demands a great responsibility and above all, passion. A small gallery like ours, demands even more. To be here everyday, to hang shows, pack, wrap, deliver, talk to artists, clients, visitors, along with the work behind the scenes. One thing we learnt, is that it is always unpredictable, sometimes we may sell works, and many times we may not. We had good times, and many challenging times. Covid, recessions, inflation, cold weather, too hot, or some other variants that may affect why people go to a gallery or do not. However, to welcome visitors, chat and tell them about the artists and see that they are moved, is invaluable. If they end up buying a work to take home, that completes the cycle, and it is wonderful.
That passion is what keeps us going. In nineteen years in the gallery space, we have shown more than two hundred artists, hung about the same number of shows and participated in innumerable fairs in London and abroad. We have met people and clients from all over the world and our artists’ creations live today in many homes, offices, hotels, museums, also all over the world. We work with consultants, interior designers and institutions. We collaborate to present shows outside the gallery, in offices, hotels and organisations. We have created many long-term associations with other galleries and institutions, working together, sharing expertise, works, networks and resources, as we have proudly done in recent years with Crafting a Difference.
Exhibitions and shows are so ephemeral. Once over, a catalogue, photograph or film can only help as a cold record. The experience of seeing a show in the space, the connection with other works, the narrative that holds the works together, is irreplaceable. This publication hopes to re-create the experience of connecting the works, of honouring the making for over twenty one years. Above all, it aims to celebrate the many wonderful artists and beautiful works that we have shown. A number of artists have allowed us into their studios and worlds, telling us in their own words about their inspiration, practice and materials. This is a celebration, a form of legacy and record of what we have happily and passionately done in all these years.
Andrea Harari and Janeen Haythornthwaite
jaggedart Founders
London, February 2023
* introduction to jaggedart twenty first anniversary publication