Actually, David Isaac, 38, is the sole owner of the new venture – the Ede part is a family name included to add a little something to the gallery title. He is already well-known in the art world as, for many years, he worked for the well-known print dealer Raymond O’Shea, latterly from Mr O’Shea’s Mount Street, Mayfair gallery, and also at international fairs both here and in America.
After decades dealing in maps and decorative old prints, Ray O’ Shea has given up antique dealing and now works full time with artist Annie Tempest promoting worldwide her Tottering-by-Gently cartoons which have grown from a strip in Country Life into an international industry.
David started his own business with his previous employer’s blessing, and, of course, in addition to the many contacts he has made over the years in the prints world he will be able to continue dealing with the old O’Shea Gallery’s clients, which is no mean start.
Now firmly ensconced in his second floor gallery in Duke of York Street, David tells me: “It feels remarkably invigorating to be at the helm of my own business after 16 years under the O’Shea umbrella.”
But his stock does not simply replicate those 16 years. He is getting away from the purely decorative and concentrating, in the main, on 18th century and Regency prints. There is also a framing and restoration service. Outside of the gallery, Isaac has already lined up his first fair, the BADA Fair in Chelsea late next month.
Prints expert Isaac moves out of O’Shea’s shadow
ONE of London’s most concentrated areas for art dealing, St. James’s, SW1, has a new gallery specialising in fine antique prints – Isaac and Ede at 1 Duke of York Street (Tel: 020 7925 1177).
