Frost & Reed

Frost & Reed is one of the UK’s oldest dealerships having been established by William Hill in Bristol in 1808. Over fifty years later in 1859 the business was sold to John Frost who listed his activities as a 'Carver, Gilder, Print Seller, Wholesale and Retail Artists Colourman and Drawing Paper Depot.' Frost was obviously well regarded as he was the holder of Queen Victoria’s Royal Warrant as Carver & Guilder to Her Majesty. After Frost’s demise in 1875 his position was taken by his nephew Walter Frost and his new partner William Reed and in 1881 the name of Frost & Reed formally came into being. The company originally dealt in prints, mezzotints, etching and engravings and in 1908 they decided to broaden their horizons by opening in the capital. They initially opened in St. James’ and have, despite several moves through expansion and enemy bomb damage during World War II, remained in London’s West End. By the millennium they were based next door to world renowned auctioneers Christies.

Since 1884 the company has traded in the USA and Canada through art fairs and exhibitions and in 2002 an elegant showroom was opened in New York’s Madison Avenue. In 2006 following a major revamping of the London showroom Frost & Reed Contemporary was opened within the existing London building. As its title suggests it handles work by 21st century artists. Over its 200 years of existence the variety of works sold by the Gallery has encompassed 18th century Masters like Constable and Gainsborough, through to Alfred Munnings and 20th century greats such as Picasso and Gustav Klimt.