Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
My name is Emma Moir and I am the owner of Box Galleries. I set up the gallery in 2012, having worked in a large commercial gallery and being given enough autonomy to have the belief I could do it myself!
Although I studied Law I always had a creative side and, at one point, I was an artist myself, so I felt I understood both sides; business and creativity.
Describe the Box Galleries in 3 words.
Contemporary, Dynamic and Bespoke
What gave you the inspiration to start Box Galleries?
I wanted to set up a gallery that was refreshingly different – having identified there was a niche in the market (i.e. not the average commercial print orientated chain and not the very high end intimidating galleries, where you have to ring a bell to enter).
Box Galleries is accessible to all from art lover to art collector, as well as informative and educational through a powerful programme of talks, events, collaborations and live demonstrations.
What is your vision behind bringing both emerging and well-established artists together?
My aim was to be able to showcase emerging artists alongside investment artwork in a welcoming environment, where clients can buy their first original to collectors building an investment collection.
Have you faced any particular challenges whilst establishing Box Galleries?
I have faced many challenges along the way as any business owner would attest to! However, I have always had an inherent belief in what I am doing, have remained focused and not spent too much/any time worrying about competition.
What do you hope Box Galleries will achieve?
I hope that Box Galleries will retain its reputation as a bespoke contemporary gallery contending with both the commercial chain galleries and the high-end Mayfair galleries.
My main goal is to continue to source and attract emerging artists and supporting them through Solo Shows as well as holding interesting and varied exhibitions and events in the gallery. I would also like to extend our worldwide reach and continue building up valued partnerships with interior designers, corporates and brands.
Tell us more about Diamonds Are A Girls’ Best Friend.
This Show is a perfect example of our ethos of combining emerging artists alongside investment work. We are presenting a dazzling mixed collection of diamond dust artwork by Simon Claridge, Andy Warhol, Russell Young and Simon Freeborough.
Simon Claridge has released a brand new unique Marilyn Monroe piece exclusive to Box Galleries and will be hosting a live screenprinting demonstration on 21st November, where clients can walk away with their own unique screenprint.
Have you noticed any changes in the arts industry? If so, what?
The rise in the online artist/gallery platform has been huge in the last 5 years as well as a rapid increase in the number of art fairs. I have also found that despite recessions, clients seem happier spending more on their homes/artwork and are savvier in investigating the investment side of the industry.
You’ve been granted the ability to send a message to 16-year-old you. What do you say?
Don’t allow yourself to be pigeon-holed and do as much as you can to actively explore industries that you are passionate about. Our school was extremely orientated towards traditional vocational jobs, so I had to fight against that to end up being in an industry that I wanted to be in.
Do you have any advice for young people interested in doing your kind of job?
Try and get an internship or as much experience even shadowing a gallery or artist. Go to as many exhibitions, galleries and fairs as possible and actively network – nothing is given on a plate!
Try and get a sense of what genre you are most interested in - is it photography, contemporary art, or the masters. A History of Art degree is useful but not essential so think about building up transferable skills.
Think about your personality attributes and how these would best fit the different dynamic roles in the art world - are you interested in curating, attention to detail, events, reviewing, social media, sales?
How can people find out more?
We look forward to welcoming you to the gallery on 402 Kings Road Chelsea, or contact [email protected] for more information and to register for events.
We recently held an event in collaboration with Jobs Today where artist Lauren Baker and I talked about our experiences, top tips and different career options in the art world.
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