February 2017
Lyndsey Ingram
INTRO
London-based Lyndsey is internationally recognised as one of the leading print dealers of her generation. Her career in the art market started over 15 years ago at Sotheby’s, where she worked in the print department before joining Simms Reed in 2003 as its Director. Now the founder of her own eponymous Mayfair gallery, Lyndsey continues to focus her attention on museum-quality, modern and contemporary British and American prints. The work of David Hockney is one of her particular specialities.
IN CONVERSATION
Tessa Packard [TP]: Lyndsey, you’ve had a long and successful career to date and recently launched your own gallery. Did you always know you wanted to work in the art world?
Lyndsey Ingram [LI]: No, not always. In fact, I don’t think it ever occurred to me until I took an art history class at school and I thought – wow, I like this.
TP: What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career?
LI: Balancing life and work and trying to enjoy both. I feel so lucky to have the job I have, sometimes I need to be careful not to let it totally take over.
TP: Who have been your greatest influences or mentors to date?
LI: My dad, for sure. He taught me you can have a successful career doing what you love. There are also a few other dealers I have worked closely with and my former boss, all of whom taught me a lot.
TP: Would you say the art world is welcoming to entrepreneurs such as yourself?
LI: Absolutely. It’s definitely a place where you have to make your own way and everyone does it a little bit differently.
TP: If you could work with any one living artist who would it be? And which artist from the historical past do you wish you could represent today?
LI: I would love to work directly with David Hockney. And from the past, I think Goya – he changed everything.
TP: What advice would you offer to young people who are looking to invest in their first piece of art?
LI: Do your homework but don’t over think it. Buy what you love and buy it from someone you trust.
TP: Describe your dream exhibition to curate – where would it be, who would be featured and why?
LI: I would love to do a show of West Coast American print makers – Ed Ruscha, David Hockney, Richard Diebenkorn, and Wayne Thiebaud. Their work is so beautiful and full of light and colour – just like California!
TP: How do you like to unwind in your spare time?
LI: A lot of yoga. And I go to museums all the time. I think it is so important to look at everything, not just the area of the market you work in.
TP: When it comes to jewellery, what is your preferred style?
LI: I prefer things that are somewhat bold and that are durable. I wear simple clothes with jewellery every day and it is so important that it has an impact and also can withstand the hustle and bustle of daily life.
TP: What are your future ambitions?
LI: To get my new premises up and running (we are in the midst of building works and it is grim) and then to take a few months to slow down a little and enjoy it!
ON THE SPOT
- Town or Countryside? Half and half
- Favourite city? Venice
- Your perfect dinner guest, dead or alive? Anyone amusing
- If you could time travel to any era it would be…? Paris in the 20’s
- The best meal you’ve ever eaten is? Artichoke tart at some hole in the wall cafe in Florence
- The one essential you can’t leave home without? My phone. Sad but true
- Pet hate? Bad manners
- Biggest extravagance? Chanel shoes
- Favourite book? Wuthering Heights
- What would your gravestone read? No idea!
FIND OUT MORE
Instagram @lyndsey_ingram
lyndseyingram.com
