Stephen Friedman Gallery goes into administration after 30 years

"The London space has now also been closed. A statement from the gallery says: "Stephen Friedman Gallery commenced the administration process on 2 February 2026 to allow for an orderly review of its financial position. FRP Advisory have been appointed as the administrator. All matters are now subject to the administrator's consideration. The gallery is now closed to the public and is not presenting at Art Basel Qatar this week.""

"At Art Basel Qatar, a last-minute change to the floor plan revealed that Stephen Friedman's solo booth of work by the late Huguette Caland is now being presented by the Huguette Caland Estate. Representatives for Lisson Gallery stepped in to man the booth. It is understood that Lisson underwrote the costs of the stand. It is not yet known whether the 39 artists and estates on Stephen Friedman Gallery's books have begun to be transferred to other galleries."

"Stephen Friedman first opened his contemporary art gallery on Old Burlington Street in Mayfair in 1995, at a time when the YBAs dominated the London art scene. After 25 years, in October 2023, Friedman moved to bigger premises on Cork Street. According to accounts filed on Companies House that year, the move in London "was required both because the company's existing lease was coming to an end, and because more office and exhibition space was needed for the company's expansion"."

Stephen Friedman Gallery has entered administration and closed its London space after previously closing its New York venue. FRP Advisory were appointed as administrator on 2 February 2026, and the gallery is closed to the public and not presenting at Art Basel Qatar. At Art Basel Qatar the Huguette Caland Estate is presenting work formerly booked as a solo booth, with Lisson Gallery representatives manning the stand and reportedly underwriting its costs. The futures of 39 artists and estates on the gallery's roster remain unknown. The gallery opened in Mayfair in 1995, moved to Cork Street in 2023, and opened a New York space later that year.

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