Willoughby Gerrish covets works by Barbara Hepworth and Camille Claudel.
1 How did you get your start?
Nepotism… now I’m out on my own I concentrate on Modern and Contemporary art, with a specific focus on sculpture. We run Thirsk Hall Sculpture Garden in North Yorkshire, and we’ve also just opened a separate company: Eros Gallery, focusing on 19th century sculpture.
2 What is a ‘holy grail’ in your area?
I’ve always wanted to get my hands on an early Hepworth carving or a Camille Claudel. However, one of my greatest discoveries is finding Catherine Duck, who started as an intern with us, and is now head of the Sculpture Garden and central to everything good that we do.
3 Do you have a collection in your home?
We’ve gone for strange curation of Georgian furniture, abstract 20th century sculpture and equine paintings. I’m not aware of the mix being attempted before…
Auguste Rodin, Torso, 1877-78, included in the Rodin/ Dalou exhibition at Willoughby Gerrish where prices ranged from £3000-475,000.
Photo: Angelo Plantamura
4 What projects have you worked on lately?
We just held Emily Young’s exhibition on Bond Street in association with Richard Green Gallery. At the time of writing we’re in the middle of our major project exploring the parallels between two of the greatest European sculptors: Auguste Rodin and Aimé-Jules Dalou (ran until December 22, 2023).
5 What is your favourite appearance of an antique in a film, play or book?
The Henry Moore sculpture in Clueless.
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