The historic Waddington Galleries exterior on Cork Street, London. Source: Waddington Custot
Introduction
As the global art world turns its attention to Switzerland for Art Basel 2026, few galleries command the same level of historical authority and contemporary relevance as Waddington Custot. Situated on London’s iconic Cork Street since 1958, the gallery has long been a cornerstone of the European art market. Yet, under the stewardship of Stéphane Custot and the recent integration of his son Victor, Waddington Custot is not merely resting on its legacy. With a newly inaugurated space in Paris and a dynamic presentation planned for Basel, the gallery continues to redefine the dialogue between modern masters and contemporary innovators. This is why their programme matters now more than ever.
Waddington Custot Gallery Exterior, Cork Street, London. Source: Artsy
A Legacy of Innovation on Cork Street
The story of Waddington Custot is deeply intertwined with the evolution of the London art scene. Founded by Victor Waddington and his son Leslie, the gallery initially championed modern British and European art. When Stéphane Custot joined forces with Leslie Waddington in 2010, the gallery’s identity sharpened, creating a unique synergy between modern and contemporary art . Today, Waddington Custot represents heavyweight artists and estates, including Peter Blake, Barry Flanagan, Fabienne Verdier, and Bernar Venet.
The gallery’s approach is characterized by rigorous, museum-quality exhibitions that explore the connective tissue between different artistic generations. This curatorial philosophy is evident in their recent expansion to Paris, inaugurated with “The Nabi Shock,” an exhibition that places post-impressionist masters in conversation with contemporary artists .
Bridging the Modern and the Contemporary
What sets Waddington Custot apart is its ability to seamlessly integrate historical weight with contemporary vitality. The gallery does not treat modern and contemporary art as distinct categories but as an ongoing, fluid conversation. This is vividly illustrated in their representation of artists like Bernar Venet, whose monumental steel sculptures challenge the boundaries of form and material.
Bernar Venet, Indeterminate Line. Source: Artsy
Similarly, the gallery’s engagement with painters like Fabienne Verdier and Ian Davenport highlights a commitment to artists who push the technical and conceptual limits of their medium. Davenport’s signature “puddle paintings,” with their meticulously controlled drips of vibrant color, offer a contemporary counterpoint to the gallery’s historical focus on color field painting and abstraction.
Anticipating Art Basel 2026
For Art Basel in Basel 2026, Waddington Custot is poised to deliver a presentation that encapsulates their dual focus. While the specific details of their booth are highly anticipated, their recent showings at Art Basel Hong Kong and Art Basel Qatar provide a strong indication of their curatorial direction. In Hong Kong, the gallery presented a focused dialogue between Zao Wou-Ki and Chu Teh-Chun, animated by the dynamic sculptures of Barry Flanagan .
At the flagship Basel fair, collectors and enthusiasts can expect a similarly thoughtful curation, likely featuring a mix of their core modern masters and leading contemporary figures. The presentation will undoubtedly reflect the gallery’s ongoing mission to highlight the enduring influence of modernism on contemporary practice.
Explore Further
To delve deeper into the artists and exhibitions shaping Waddington Custot’s programme, explore their profiles in the Art United Directory:
- View the full gallery profile: Waddington Custot
- Discover the monumental sculptures of Bernar Venet
- Explore the vibrant abstraction of Ian Davenport
FAQ
Where is Waddington Custot located?
Waddington Custot’s primary gallery is located at 11 Cork Street in London. They also have spaces in Dubai (Alserkal Avenue) and recently opened a new gallery in Paris (Rue de Seine).
What kind of art does Waddington Custot specialize in?
The gallery specializes in modern and contemporary art, with a strong focus on monumental sculpture, post-war abstraction, and artists who bridge historical and contemporary practices.
When is Art Basel in Basel 2026?
Art Basel in Basel 2026 takes place from June 18–21, with VIP preview days on June 16 and 17.
Who are some of the key artists represented by Waddington Custot?
Key represented artists include Bernar Venet, Fabienne Verdier, Ian Davenport, Peter Blake, and the estates of Barry Flanagan and Jean Dubuffet.
References
[3] Waddington Custot. “Art Basel Hong Kong 2026.” Waddington Custot Exhibitions.
