BREATHE Life into Art: Exclusive Interview Inside the Wyecliffe Way

Benjamin Fry and Katia Hickmer Dacey run an art consultancy that is so much more than a gallery alone. From representing and promoting new and established artists to sourcing and commissioning artwork and advising on collections, art investment, design and decoration projects, they are like the architects of the art world – providing a full service from concept to delivery.

Wyecliffe Gallery in Weybridge, Surrey, is unlike the typical idea one might have of an art gallery. You know, the stuffy minimalist place we've seen in movies, where you could hear a pin drop and tend to feel a tad intimidated. Not so at this establishment, where drinks and snacks are freely available, the music is toned down a bit as you enter but the happy, friendly vibe remains undiminished. "Art is about beauty and beauty is about pleasure, so why not make it a joyous experience," says Benjamin, who has built up a highly successful business from a dynamic, client-friendly approach.

"We do serious work but we enjoy it, so we approach it with a happy energy," adds Katia. Together with their handpicked team of experts they represent both upcoming new and well-established artists in a variety of genres, selecting their associations on the basis of in-depth market knowledge. "We know the dynamics of the market across different segments, so we recognise what will achieve commercial and critical success because we also stay up to date with newly evolving trends."

This expertise and ability to produce results for artist and collectors alike is at the basis of what makes Wyecliffe Gallery so successful and so impactful in their field. It is also thanks to a very client-tailored approach that sets the business apart, as Benjamin realised soon after opening the gallery that life is complicated selling one-off pieces. "We like to engage with our clients, and help them to find their art and enjoy it, regardless of whether they are knowledgeable art lovers, novices, investors or for that matter corporate clients looking to dress hotels, restaurants, offices or clinics with artwork," says Benjamin.

This approach has helped the business mushroom outwards from its physical presence in Weybridge, as Benjamin and Katia’s client base has become increasingly global. "People come to the gallery or on to our website to buy one-off pieces, but the interaction with ourselves leads many to come back and start collecting, and that’s the beginning of a fun collaborative process that leads us to source specific art pieces or styles, commission unique one-off pieces for clients, advise them on investments – although we always suggest to buy art first and foremost for enjoyment – and also help to decorate homes and commercial premises," says Katia.

The team has a particular connection with Andalucía, which Benjamin fell in love with after providing the artwork for a UK client’s Marbella home. "I love it here and we’re lucky enough to have an ongoing flow of clients and projects in the region. This, together with the stunning setting, makes Marbella a favoured place for exhibitions and presentations of artists such as Becky Smith, who we recently showcased for collectors and art lovers at Soul." Also featured was a one-off Ford GT featuring artwork that has been taken by influencer Shmee150 across the roads of Europe to create awareness for CALM – Campaign Against Living Miserably – which aids people with suicidal tendencies.