Hi, I’m Richard
I help artists and art lovers navigate this magical and mysterious art world.
For 20+ years I’ve worked as an Artist, Gallerist and Art Advisor. Yes, all three. We’re a small but enthusiastic group. I’ve learned a lot, and I have more to learn than ever before. Still, I can recognise my track record isn’t too shabby.
Gallerist:
Sales
Artworks Delivered
Commissions Arranged
Over $60 Million
Over 6,000
Over 1,000
Artist:
Private Commissions
Average Commission
Biggest Commission
Over 100
$40,000
$180,000
For artists and buyers alike, the art world can be a strangely exclusive place. Isn’t art meant to be about connection and beauty?
What’s with the attitude?
Nothing is more human than art. In fact, we’re all artists. Being creative is part of our genetic inheritance; we are hard-wired to feel ‘good art’ in our bones.
My mission is celebrating the power of art to lift our souls, partly by removing certain layers of language and attitude which unnecessarily complicate it. That’s why I came up with the N’s. They’re a simple device for discussing some of the big themes around art without needing a dictionary, or dumbing down the field I love so dearly.
Try some of these ideas, see if they work for you.
About Me
Born in Atlanta, GA, I moved to London in 1995, co-founding a fashion business. I ran the marketing and design, and over 7 years grew that to $10M annual turnover. I then sold my shares to pursue what my parents had forbade from: a career in the arts.
So when I came to the art world, unlike most, I didn’t need to sell work, yet I knew how to get clients. I didn’t need a gallery. I did well from the start. I soon fell in love with the work of other artists and opened a gallery to showcase their work. Which did so well I opened another in New York.
I called the gallery McKay Williamson after my two grandfathers, in a symbolic nod to the power and purpose of legacy. Great art gets passed down.
When the pandemic hit, the art world changed. I started doing social media. The pandemic taught me to work digitally. And to help buyers find artists in a way that’s simple and transparent.
Whilst I’ve still got bricks and mortar galleries, most of my work is online. I see my job as creating beauty in the world through the meaning and solace we can find in great art.
Whenever you’re ready, I’m here to help.
Client Quotes
24 years of creativity of the highest quality all done with huge care and attention to detail. The whole team have a smart can-do approach keeping the creative juices flowing practically and not just theoretically. Richard’s Zen helps too.
David Soanes
We’ve worked with McKay Williamson for years with art, design and photography projects, and are happy to recommend their work very highly. The latest piece was a surprise for my wife, who was absolutely thrilled. Thank you Richard!
Panos Katsambas
McKay Williamson have been fantastic with advising us about our art. They spent lots of time finding out about us and our interests and tastes, visited the house to see the spaces and then presented a carefully curated selection of art for us to choose from. We are delighted with the eclectic mix of works we chose, especially the Trifinov, which we like so much that we have bought a second!
Liz Marin-Curtoud
McKay Williamson organised a fabulous, commissioned painting by the artist Patrick Reeves in fragmented realism style. I recommend the gallery highly.
Alex Pasteur
I should start by noting that I hardly ever post reviews about anything. The exceptional support and service provided by Richard and his team have inspired me. 5 stars.
Pappudu Sriram
We have had several pieces and never been disappointed. Would recommend them in a heartbeat.
Simon Horwood
Great experience from start to finish. They listened well to our brief and added many ideas we wouldn't have come up with ourselves. A really fun experience all the way through and the end result is something we will treasure for years to come! Highly recommended :) Can't wait to get our next piece!
Michelle Milbourn
I am enjoying this not just for myself, but for my art students too. They’re all entering the art world, and Im pretty sure they’re now all followers of yours, too! =)
@art_by_rae
The challenge of understanding art and being an artist is great enough. We need these ideas and dialogue to closer to any aspect of it. Good work – keep it rolling!
@tim_s_mosby
I have a renewed sense of curiosity – thank you!
@barriarbuffy
As much as I hate that art is really a business, this has helped me a lot so thanks.
@sondyart
I really appreciate your ideas. You’ve helped my change direction with my work, which has been really inspiring and helped me keep going.
@hallgaenor
Love this! Great work, I’m an art teacher and will be sharing this with my students.
@perriartsy
Great insights – like you I have a background in science, and seeing this broken down this way really helped. Thank you!
@artbybehnazlarsen
Brilliant work, very insightful. Thank you!
@artasticangel
Great wisdom.
@jacob.curphey
Love your ideas, interesting, unique and informative. Thank you.
@jonmillerstudio
Thank you for your inspiring and encouraging ideas.
@sarah_tarborton