Mayfair is of central importance to the international art trade. It is where the commercial art gallery originated 150 years ago, and today it is home to the largest concentrated art market in the world. The commercial galleries, auction houses and public art institutions that occupy the area are renowned, drawing collectors, cultural tourists and associated business to London from across the globe. The UK is the largest importer and exporter of art in Europe, and sales of fine art and antiques contributed £8bn to the British economy in 2013. A substantial proportion of this revenue is generated by Mayfair, where there are up to 100 retail galleries, four major international auction houses, and the Royal Academy of Arts, which receives over a million visitors a year. Continue reading →