(Bad Hare Day IX, Robert Deyber)
Sometimes a trip down Newbury can be.. a little much. It is admittedly difficult to take in all of the main drag’s offerings when you are derailed by the street’s various fashion faux pas.
Last week I took a rare sunny moment to check out some of the galleries I had yet to see and ventured into the Martin Lawrence Gallery at 77 Newbury Street.
While many of the galleries on Newbury are dominated by the more traditional Boston School style, this space really comes into its own with incredible Contemporary pieces.
I’m not even talking lesser known artists, they have the big boys.
(Nirvana, Takashi Murakami)
Takashi Murakami, Picasso Lithographs, a smattering of Warhols, and Miro to name a few.
The works feel very accessible in the inviting space and take advantage of every available wall, alcove, and even floor space.
When I happened by the gallery, the staff was deciding what to do with a large Andy Warhol Marilyn Monroe painting that was in their window display. With the sun beating down, they decided to move it away from the glass to avoid bleaching out the masterpiece. Mundane snippet, but I felt a pang of jealousy as I would love to be the one to decide what to do with a Warhol.
But I guess someone has to sit behind a desk and play Bejeweled Blitz all day.
I spoke a bit with one of the gallery’s staff who was extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and explained how they are trying to open up the space for regular exhibitions/social events to let people know about their presence on the heavily congested street.
What I also liked about the space is that among the iconic artists were pieces by lesser known living artists whose work I was previously unfamiliar with.
(The Hobby Horse III)
(Tango in a Box)
(Sirena)
Even the Sales Code of Conduct listed directly on the Martin Lawrence website, seems to speak to the caliber of the gallery, the work shown, and their employees.
Our Sales Code of Conduct
Martin Lawrence Galleries is dedicated to providing quality art and professional service. Before you purchase art, please consider the following:
• Buy what you love and what you will enjoy having in your home or office. Do not buy for financial investment or speculation. Given the semantically broad appeal of the word “investment” and the increase in price of many of our past publications, it is understandable that a collector might look for some assessment of the potential for future appreciation in value. However, all Martin Lawrence consultants are instructed to stay completely away from the subject of art as a medium for investment.
• To gain insight, visit galleries, see different styles, meet artists when possible, and acquaint yourself with gallery personnel.
• Familiarize yourself with an artist before you purchase; don’t be intimidated by the gallery setting.
• Do not purchase art “unavailable for viewing” unless you have an established relationship with the consultant and gallery.
• Request documentation of authenticity and buy only from established, reputable dealers who will stand behind the work sold.
• Fine art is available at all price levels and need not be expensive to be enjoyed. Examine art for the quality and condition.
An educated consumer is a happy consumer.
Be sure to check out the Martin Lawrence Gallery next time you are on Newbury Street and as a bonus, stop by the amazing Bradley and Diegel salon upstairs to get a new do’. ♥
