Pilar Ordovas founded her eponymous gallery, dealing in the best of 20th Century and Contemporary Art with a museum-quality exhibition programme, in 2011.

Grounded in 25 years of specialist experience, the gallery has organised exhibitions in conjunction with a number of leading institutions, including The Courtauld Gallery and Dulwich Picture Gallery in London, and the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.

The gallery stages three exhibitions a year in London, and one each fall in New York, and has shown works by many of the world’s most important artists and sculptors, from Frank Auerbach and Francis Bacon to Frida Kahlo and Alberto Giacometti. Previously Ordovas worked for 13 years at Christie’s, where she was International Director and Deputy Chairman, Post-War and Contemporary Art in Europe, and two years as a Director of Gagosian Gallery in London. 

Founded on a commitment to and passion for art, Ordovas offers maximum discretion and unrivalled access to public and private collections globally, helping collectors whether established on new to navigate the art world. 

Last year brought about many changes as a result of the pandemic, were there any consequences for you as a gallery owner?

The world changed for everyone and it taught us to slow down and think of other ways of working. For me it has been a year to reassess and review and find new ways of working, engaging and learning. And on a personal level it has been the most incredible year as I have become a mother!

Were there any works or artists that stood out for you during that time? Or were you surprised about any art market results?

Quality passes the test of every crisis and pandemic, it has proven…my surprise was to see how resilient the art market has been - much of the activity has been quietly and privately but at this level it has stayed strong.

Many people who are new to buying art are looking for inspiration and guidance from those that have been buying art for a while, especially when it comes to buying their first work of art. Do you remember your first art purchase, and can you tell us what it was and why you acquired it?

I think the most important thing when starting to collect and buy art is to look and learn beforehand - understand what moves you and what you respond to and then get advice to be able to acquire the very best. I believe in less is more! I started collecting works on paper many moons ago- for me paper shows the artist thinking- there is something very intimate and direct and in many cases for a fraction of the value you can buy significant work. Some of my first acquisitions were Cornelia Parker (bullet drawing), Rachel Whiteread, Floor drawing…

Is there one stand out tip that you can give to those who are starting a new collection or considering buying their first work of art?

Quality rather than quality - stay away from fashions, follow your heart get advice to make sure the work is in good condition, learn about its provenance and that it is fresh to the market.

Is there one work that you either own or would like to own that stands out above all others for you? What is it and why?

I own a small self portrait on paper by Lucian Freud- he was a friend over last ten years of his life- I learn so much with him not just about his work but about painting- it feels as though he is here watching over me.

Many collectors are looking to deepen their knowledge of the arts and the market. Is there a book you can recommend?

I don’t think there is one book – I would say go to exhibitions at museums and galleries, develop your eye, read and look for someone you trust to navigate the market.

What do you feel is the role of art advisors and how do you think they can help collectors?

They can help navigate the art world and help to give access to works and further your knowledge. 

What is the one thing you look forward to in the art world in 2021?

I am looking forward to be able to receive the public at the gallery! - I have missed so much the interactions and the conversations! We are hoping to open as soon as the lockdown is finished with Wild Life: Francis Bacon and Peter Beard. The exhibition explores the friendship between the two artists and shows works and archival material never exhibited before.

www.ordovasart.com