It is under the direction of Eric Gillis and Noémie Goldman, formerly of Gillis Goldman Fine Art, and focuses on 19th and early 20th century drawings.
The firm made its debut at TEFAF Maastricht as Agnews Works on Paper. However, Anthony Crichton-Stuart, director of the historic London dealership, told ATG that in the future the new business will be known as Agnews Brussels.
Thomas Agnew & Sons began as print dealers and framers in Manchester in the 19th century and from 1867 into the 20th century held an annual watercolour exhibition.
“We aren’t trying to replicate that”, said Crichton-Stuart, who became director of the company when it was purchased in 2013, but “we are trying to expand our base” in Europe.
Its offering is a mix of stock from the two firms, plus some items on consignment.
The implementation of Brexit regulations has made trading with the continent more difficult logistically. Crichton-Stuart says that while the new venture was not specifically a response to Brexit, “anything we can do to make life easier is welcome”.
