Meet Signet Contemporary Art

Amidst their busy preparations ahead of exhibiting at our fast approaching Bristol fair and the launch of their exquisite Garry Raymond-Pereira exhibition, we found five minutes with founder of Chelsea’s renowned Signet Contemporary Art Gallery, Signe Giles, to help you get to know one more of our family galleries that little bit better!

Read on to discover the ‘ones-to-watch’ on her Bristol stand, as well as get a glimpse of her personal artistic taste as she talks about the artists she represents and how she uses their work to change the atmosphere in her own home.

Here’s what she had to say:

1.    Tell us a bit about Signet Contemporary Art?

Signet Contemporary Art was established in 2013 and has a gallery on the Kings Road in Chelsea. Signet Contemporary Art specialises in British and international contemporary paintings. The gallery caters for both established and new collectors looking for a wide variety of styles and genres, ranging from semi-abstract to impressionist, including artists such as Robert E Wells RBA, Garry Raymond-Pereira, David Poxon RI and Paul Treasure just to name a few. Our mission is to provide its artists with greater exposure by taking their artwork to new markets.

2.    Which artists are the ‘ones-to-watch’ on your stand at Affordable Art Fair Bristol and on our online shop?

We are thrilled to be returning to Affordable Art Fair Bristol 2017. Our stand (D11) will be showcasing an eclectic mix of paintings such as cityscapes by David Farren, as well as vibrant, textured landscapes by Rory J Browne and Jonathan Trim. The collection will also include new seascape paintings by Scottish Artist Tom Barron. We are looking forward to welcoming visitors to our stand with a diverse collection of art which can also now be browsed and bought from the Affordable Art Fair online shop! 

3.    How does a typical day working at an art fair differ from day-to-day life in the gallery?

Art fairs are very exciting and an intense project compared to day-to-day life in the gallery. There is more competition with so many galleries in one space, a higher footfall and buzz. This gives us a brilliant opportunity to reach a wider audience of visitors and collectors from various locations – which is why we love them so much!

4.    What has been your most memorable Affordable Art Fair moment?

In the past 12 months, we have exhibited at Affordable Art Fair Bristol, Hong Kong and Singapore and during those fairs the most memorable moments were always the buzz of the opening night and the excitement when the very first artwork was purchased from our stand.  

5.    Who is the most recent addition to Signet Contemporary Art’s collection of artists?

The most recent addition to Signet Contemporary Art is Canadian artist Erika Toliusis. We are extremely proud to have this talented artist on board and to exhibit her vibrant, spectacular panoramic paintings of Indian and South American landscapes. Erika Toliusis artworks are available to buy on Affordable Art Fair’s online shop as we speak! 

6.    What advice would you give to aspiring art collectors to make sure they get the most out of an art fair? 

An art fair is generally a brilliant opportunity to ‘see it all’ in one place – whether you’re looking to find the perfect piece to complement your new interior or you want to have a fun day out discovering and learning about contemporary art.

For young collectors looking to talk to dealers and artists; I recommend you try to familiarise yourself with various periods, mediums and styles to begin to discover your artistic taste.

“Art for every wall” is a fantastic Affordable Art Fair philosophy which I believe turns more people into art lovers and experienced collectors.

7.    How would you describe your own interior style, and how do you use art to enhance your home?

No doubt, it’s the paintings that enhance my home! They have a silent magic that dictates the mood of an interior. I mostly use subtle colours and an earthy palette in my own interior styling. Quite often I change the location of my paintings which brings a completely fresh energy into my home – there really can never be enough artworks on your walls! 

8.    Which art institution has had the greatest impact on you and why?

My very first Art School, which I attended in early childhood was the greatest institution to inspire me, enough to make me want to work in the art world! It taught me to respect art and to recognise its quality. Being academically trained helps me to analyse artworks and to establish the brilliant group of artists who I currently represent at Signet Contemporary Art. 

9.    What do you think the future holds for the art market in our rapidly expanding digital world?  

The art market has dramatically changed over the last five years, and it will in the next five too – it’s getting more and more digital every day. I personally think it is a positive development – it is easier for art lovers to access artwork for sale, it promotes healthy competition between galleries, and helps generate sales and recognition for the artists. 

You can browse and buy stunning contemporary paintings from Signet Contemporary Art both live at our Bristol fair on Stand D11 and online!

Buy Bristol fair tickets here to view the eclectic collection in the flesh »

Browse Signet Contemporary Art’s works online today no matter where you are in the world »

Main image: Photo of Signet Contemporary Art Gallery.

Featured artworks from top to bottom:
David Farren, Early October Evening, Albert Bridge, £3,000, Acrylic on canvas, 2017.
Rory J Browne, Poppy Field in Norfolk, £4,600, Oil on canvas, 2017.
Jonathan Trim, A Walk in the Surf, £1,650, Acrylic on canvas, 2017.
Tom Barron, Evening Breakers, £1,400, Oil on canvas, 2016.
Erika Toliusis, Forever, £2,250, Oil on canvas, 2017.