At home with….Lily Ackerman

13 April 2021

Lily Ackerman is the founder and director of Ackerman Studios, a London-based art consultancy. Continuing the work started by her late father Roy, Lily created Ackerman Studios in 2015.

Ackerman Studios is a London-based art consultancy. They offer full services including strategic planning and conception, art curation and procurement, and advisory. Built on over a decade of experience, Ackerman Studios work closely with a variety of hospitality spaces, most recently including 45 Park Lane and the Daisy Green Collection. They pride themselves on working with both established and emerging artists and focussing on the narratives underpinning each project.

Capitalising on her extensive relationships with artists and galleries, Lily enjoys transforming the way people interact with art - making it a spectacular part of the everyday. Lily is a great advocate of both emerging and established artists and is continually looking to discover the most exciting new talent, as well as nurturing relationships with established figures with whom she already enjoys long-standing associations.

Last year brought about many changes as a result of the pandemic, what were the consequences for you as an art advisor?

There was a big diversification in my work.  A shift towards commissions and a rethink about what art means for people in their homes. I feel even stronger about supporting emerging artists and focussing on my existing collector base. I also have an immense gratitude for those I work with, for being supportive and continuing collaborations despite financial hardships and uncertainty. 

Were there any works or artists that stood out for you during that time? Or were you surprised about any art market changes? 

On a personal level, I’ve been drawn to the work of Faith Ringgold. Ringgold’s works have challenged perceptions of African American identity and gender inequality for decades. It felt prescient to me. Ringgold’s exhibition at the Serpentine in 2019 was her first in a European institution and was very impactful.

I’ve seen fantastic innovation and resilience across the art world – the curator and gallerist, Ocki from Blue Shop Cottage is a great example. Harnessing the use of Instagram through her fantastic series of lives with artists. I came across Ocki’s gallery Blue Shop Cottage the same week as the first lockdown and have been inspired by her ever since. 

I’ve also been inspired by the resilience of mid-tier galleries. They have held their nerve in spite of challenges and the closure of art fairs. The need for community, authenticity and the power of personal relationships have been highlighted as well as the importance of engaging an online audience. 

Now that museums and galleries have been closed or travel to them is prohibited how do you still stay current with what is going on?

I have a strong network of contacts in the art world and keeping up with them regularly has been a lifeline from a work and personal perspective! The art world is a small one and you quickly find who you want to surround yourself with. Instagram has also been really useful and from a broader perspective the Global Art Market Report. 

Many people who are new to buying art are looking for inspiration and guidance from those that have been buying art for a while, especially when it comes to buying their first work of art. Do you remember your first art purchase, and can you tell us what it was and why you acquired it?

This isn’t (quite!) my first purchase, but the piece of art I treasure the most and the one that inspired my collecting. Peter Blake gifted my parents a sketch of me, drawn on a childhood holiday ‘Lily, Daymar Bay, Cornwall, August 19th ‘89’.  When my dad died it was given to me and it hangs in my home. I look at it every day. It’s my most loved work. It is a simple line drawing, but it holds so much meaning.  Collecting has to come from a place of delight and love. Art can be an investment, but it must be underpinned by joy. 

Is there one stand out tip that you can give to those who are starting a new collection or considering buying their first work of art?

From the heart first then for the investment. Ask yourself why do you want to collect? Follow a gallery or curator whose style you like. If you already have an idea of how you want to collect work with an advisor who can work with you on building this successfully. 

Is there one work that you either own or would like to own that stands out above all others for you? What is it and why?

I would love to own a piece by Margaret Mellis. I came across her whilst researching some pieces for a client and couldn’t stop reading! Her contribution to art and art history (along with so many women) has been so underappreciated. She was a pivotal member of the St Ives group and later a strong influence on Hirst. Her works are sublime. Redfern Gallery has some of her works which I love, in particular Riddle (Egypt), 1973 and Bottles, Round Table and Sea, 1952. 

Many collectors are looking to deepen their knowledge of the arts and the market. Is there a book you can recommend?

Personally, I’d recommend (when we can) doing some gallery visits in different areas of London. Also, listening to these podcasts (I love both) The Artfully Podcast and The Great Women Artists and check out the Blue Shop Cottage on Instagram (@blueshopcottage) 

Breakfast at Sotheby’s by Philip Hook is also fantastic - it’s a comic look at absurdities and quirks that make up the art world. A great read for those who want something amusing and enlightening. 

What do you feel is the role of art advisors and how do you think they can help collectors? 

To guide, to demystify, to curate, to showcase, to introduce, to advocate for and to collaborate. To help people grow their collections in line with their values and to support emerging artists. 

What is the one thing you look forward to in the art world in 2021?

Getting back into 45 Park Lane and launching Nat Bowen’s exhibition, Chromadelic [17 May – 28 June 2021]. We curate 45 Park Lane’s art programme and Bowen’s exhibition is perfect to kick things off, it’s full of vitality and joy.

45 Park Lane has such a vibrant artistic community. I am so proud of what we’ve created there. The general manager John Scanlon is a big advocate of the arts and has championed the art programme. It’s a really exciting and authentic experience of art in London and something I am very proud of.  

 Read more about Lily and Ackerman Studios here.