I have known Sarah personally for over thirty years, it has been such a joy following her incredible career which began as one of the youngest auctioneers at Phillips Son & Neale, then on to Sotheby’s, a brief period in the film industry, CEO of LAPADA plus lots more which I won’t list so I don’t spoil the interview! All before co-founding Hollandridge Group, an independent art consultancy advising, curating and sourcing art for residential, corporate and hospitality projects.
Sarah works with interior designers and private clients on a wide range of briefs and budgets, from single picture searches to curating larger collections finding art by both emerging and established contemporary artists and Old Masters. Whilst specialising in fine art and sculpture, Hollandridge also sources antique furniture, ceramics, glass, clocks and textiles via their extensive connections with various craftsmen.
I loved sitting down with Sarah to chat about her life in the art world, what she loves most about running her own business, her morning routine, what makes her smile and her personal style. I hope you enjoy learning more about Sarah, as much as I did.
Photograph courtesy of Astrid Templier
How did you get into the art world?
I found a leaflet in the career’s library at school for History of Art A-level in Florence, it sounded fun! I was bunking off a lesson at the time and I was caught red handed, a detention followed but I suppose it was worth it. Florence became the plan leading on to a degree in Art History and later a diploma in the Fine and Decorative Arts at Christie’s Education. After a few weeks of work experience in the salerooms, I was hooked.
Photograph courtesy of Rebecca Hossack
Which auction houses did you work for and what did you do for them?
I started my first job as a porter in the ceramics department of Phillips of Bond Street under the renowned expert, John Sandon. He was hugely knowledgeable, but Worcester porcelain was not my thing, so I was determined to transfer to the Picture Department. My initial enquiries fell on stoney ground, the female head of department felt that I wasn’t physically strong enough to lift the large Old Masters. Can you imagine that response today! I battled on, eventually persuading her that regular trips to the gym made me a suitable candidate. I stayed there for only a few months before a vacancy arose for a specialist role at their secondary branch in Bayswater to jointly run the Picture department. It was a meteoric rise that I cannot imagine happening today, but with little prior knowledge I was learning on the job, cataloguing 400 pictures a month and taking the sales as an auctioneer.
From there I went to Sotheby’s Bond Street to jointly run their Regular Picture auctions, life was altogether more serious, my auctioneering was filmed and analysed by directors, LAMDA were bought in to train us.
A memorable moment, due to the absence of a senior director, saw me drafted in for an exciting trip to Lake Como for the valuation of the Estate of Gianni Versace following his assassination which resulted in the eventual sale of a collection Picassos.
Photograph courtesy of Guy Goodfellow Interiors and Astrid Templier
So what did you do after Sotheby’s?
It was time for an adventure and to follow a long-held passion to live in Rome and learn Italian properly.
I worked in the Vatican museum, on the Corsini Estate and my friend’s husband trained me up as a producer at his documentary film production company. It was never boring, I filmed the defrosting of a stone age man, a cadaver preserved in a glacier for a Discovery Channel documentary. I travelled on location to Monseratt, Martinique and Ecuador making a film on volcanoes and later gained incredible access to Pope John Paul II for a film on his life.
A letter from my father enclosing a newspaper clipping advertising a vacancy for the CEO of LAPADA (The Association of Art & Antiques Dealers) was a call home.
I wasn’t initially successful in my application so continued as a producer in the documentary film industry in London with further trips to India and Egypt. It was during this time that I met my husband, Nick. Two years later, I received a call from a LAPADA board member to interview again for the post, the previous CEO had not been the right fit.
In 2004 I accepted the position, a post that I held for 10 years during which time I set up the LAPADA fair in Berkeley Square and their conference in the House of Lords. It was here that I met a huge number of expert dealers in every discipline of the fine and decorative arts and reunited with many of my auction colleagues due to my representation on committees such as the British Art Market Federation.
Photograph courtesy of Guy Goodfellow Interiors and Astrid Templier
What inspired you to set up your company?
I’ve always wanted to run my own business, in the early years I lacked experience and financial stability. At LAPADA I worked very hard in a demanding role but I didn’t have the headspace to think properly and execute a business plan whilst juggling young children. The members at LAPADA were my inspiration, many of whom were leading examples of entrepreneurs running small businesses, following a passion and creating a lifestyle for themselves. When we moved out of London to Henley on Thames 10 years ago and I resigned as CEO, the timing was right. It was less about conquering the world and more about creating a business that was viable, enjoyable, flexible and doing it my way.
Photograph courtesy of Guy Goodfellow Interiors and Astrid Templier
What sets you and your business apart from competitors?
I hope that Hollandridge fills a gap in the market by providing a link and a service that unites the art market and artists with interior designers, developers, architects and private clients. We work independently curating collections, advising on purchases, sourcing stock and project managing the whole process from research to installation. We help private clients and professionals manoeuvre in unfamiliar territory; sometimes the art market can seem less than transparent.
I have a broad level of expertise myself from many years in the art world and an incredible network of specialists to consult together with an ever growing stable of contemporary artists with whom we work directly. This, together with an eye for design and a highly professional approach to client service will set Hollandridge apart.
Photograph courtesy of Guy Goodfellow Interiors
What do you love most about running your own business?
I have loved creating a company influenced by my own vision in every aspect. It is hugely satisfying putting together a collection of art and bringing somebodies home to life. I often have a long-term relationship with clients which means joining them in their journey of discovery and watching their taste evolve. I also love the commercial projects as sometimes you are given a longer reign to be creative.
Describe yourself in 3 words
Fun, persistent, energetic
What is your life motto?
I have quite a few!
Follow your dreams; fake it till you make it; be kind; be grateful
Photograph courtesy of Guy Goodfellow Interiors and Astrid Templier
Do you have a morning routine?
I rise early, make a black coffee and I’ll head for a 45 minute HIIT/weights class at my gym four times a week. The other squaddies are younger and hard core! I am definitely bringing up the rear of the class but it challenges me, I enjoy the morning banter and feel great afterwards. Otherwise, I’ll walk our dog in the Chilterns, the countryside is outstanding so never fails to inspire me.
Photograph courtesy of Twenty14Holdings
How do you unwind?
This is work in progress and a failing. I find it difficult to sit down and stop without feeling guilty. I often work until late which is no good at all. When I do unwind it will be with friends over food and wine. A hot bubble bath is my first port of call, I watch very little TV and a book in bed is a rarity which needs to become a ritual but I’m an addicted reader on holiday. Sailing in the Greek islands with my family is when I truly unwind but sadly that doesn’t happen enough!
How would you spend your perfect day?
Sailing around the Greek islands, snorkelling in turquoise sea and eating fresh fish in an unpretentious taverna. Discovering something cultural enroute perhaps an ancient monastery or ruin would be ideal! Followed by a spot of shopping in a little boutique, then cocktails and a delicious supper with friends and family, followed by dancing in an open-air club.
I also love city breaks combing good food, exploration, shopping and culture!
Photograph courtesy of Twenty14Holdings
What makes you smile?
Pottering at home, happy children, time with good girlfriends, weekends away with my husband, a great party – I love to dance!
What are your wardrobe staples?
I am a capsule wardrobe person, I wear my clothes to death, then send them to the charity shop and start again. I know exactly what I like so I’m a very concise shopper. I love statement dresses from little boutiques usually unknown brands, I find them so easy to wear and I feel in my profession it has to look vaguely artistic.
A well-cut patchwork denim skirt has been my staple for the last 6 months, so useful and a bit smarter than jeans. I wear the same trainers for a year then chuck them out, a nice cashmere jumper, funky costume jewellery, comfy winter boots/ summer sandals, one handbag that will tick all boxes (usually Anya Hindmarch). Coats, jackets and evening dresses are the only things I hold on to. When working from home I resort to elasticated waists and comfy wide-legs with a cosy jumper or shirt – weather dependant.
Photograph courtesy of Guy Goodfellow Interiors and Astrid Templier
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