17 Jul Georgian art and interiors: In conversation with Vanita Barany

Vanita on one of her many artwork sourcing trips

So, what do you do and what service do you provide?

I am an art adviser and started my company Artroom London 12 years ago. We offer an end-to-end art service for private clients and interior designers.  We acquire all genres of art and arrange framing, restoration, installing and art storage. I buy art from galleries and auctions to match the brief. We have helped Etons of Bath source art for clients as part of Georgian interior design schemes.

Artwork in Etons of Bath kitchen design in Cardiff

How do you work with clients and interior designers?

When collaborating with interior designers it is very much working as a team. I look closely at the concept and vision for their project and suggest sympathetic artworks to produce a cohesive overall look for their clients. I do this by presenting art suggestions which can then viewed in the galleries or (since lockdown) I can video. It is a time-consuming business sourcing the right pieces at the right price and interior designers are usually thrilled to hand over this part of the project. 

I like to meet with the designers and their clients so that I can gauge the sort of artworks that will give joy. Creating a curated collection including sculpture, paintings and works on paper, adding the final layers.  

Artwork above hallway console table

When you’re looking for art for Georgian homes, what process do you go through?

I don’t look for art specifically for a Georgian home but the fabulous thing about this architecture is the light, the fabulous windows and symmetry.

Any genre of art will work in these spaces from old masters to contemporary abstracts. I like to ‘mix it up a little’ and make each room a surprise so that there could be a Dutch still life in the kitchen and a contemporary abstract painting in the living room.

Vanita scours a huge variety of galleries to find the right art for your project

Your clients must have varied tastes but what artists/styles are your personal favourites?

Brueghel for the historical narrative and intricate beauty; Chagall, the master of painting happiness and love;. German expressionist Ernest Kirchner and Franz Marc for colour and drama. American abstract expressionist Joan Mitchell for boldness and exuberance. Contemporary artist Cecily Brown for beautifully blurring abstract and figurative, Marino Marini whose horse and rider sculptures are spectacular. There are many more!

Art by @robandnick in Georgian withdrawing room. Interior design by Etons of Bath

Without naming names, what’s the most bizarre brief you’ve ever had?

This one is easy, ‘NO NUDES NO PEASANTS’! It made me laugh.

Contact Vanita for art advice for your Georgian interiors and home at https://www.artroomlondon.co.uk/