About
HAGB is an independent and private gallery founded in 2023 by Mercedes Phillips. The exhibition programme to date has focused on an eclectic variety of artworks by 20th Century, modern European masters and contemporary established artists, including giving spotlight to their more obscure or unknown works. It is also committed to supporting serious emerging talent.
The gallery founder's background is that of a formal Fine Art training (First Class Hons; Painting)at De Montfort University and a postgraduate at Goldsmiths University. Her series of "Fabric Paintings" led her to printed textiles; then rigorous training at Morley & London College of Fashion in pattern cutting and handcraft tailoring,culminating in an apprenticeship in central London's Soho; making jackets for clients on Savile Row and in Mayfair. She taught for over two decades in London,while painting from various studios, including at Vanguard Court and Studio Voltaire.She held an intern at the ICA; exhibited in and curated shows; working with UK galleries, other artists and art event directors.
Since the gallery's inception, HAGB has collaborated with the extremely well established and respected Goldmark Gallery.
HAGB's stance is to provide a high quality informed experience; grounded in context, historical; sociological or otherwise. Exhibitions can typically not exceed 3 a year as a result. HAGB establishes connections with other galleries, buyers and collectors through this traditional route rather than the global art fair circuit.
Prior to leaving London for Scotland, Phillips worked under Colonel Henry Brooke (HAGB) for a number of years. A close friendship was struck, which endured until his death. Col. Brooke housed an impressive collection of paintings and supported her work, unreservedly. The gallery is founded in his honour.
THE PATRON OF HAGB
Colonel Henry Arthur Gunning Brooke was awarded an Immediate MC at the final Battle of Monte Cassino, for in the words of General Alexander, his "skill, resourcefulness and inspirational leadership". In mid-May '44, Brooke was in command of a troop of 16/5th Lancers in the Liri Valley where he rallied his badly shaken crew. For 3 days he led a successful offensive in fierce fighting after his commanding officer and squadron leader were killed. Col Brooke contracted malaria in North Africa in '43; was blown up 3 times in his Sherman tank but survived to assume command in '66 of 16/5 Queens Royal Lancers and served as an outstanding Colonel of the 16/5th Regiment from 1979 to 1985.
Chelsea-ite, erudite
Honourable and Champagne-tight
Inspiring and bolshy
Always right.
DEATH OR GLORY
The gallery founder's background is that of a formal Fine Art training (First Class Hons; Painting)at De Montfort University and a postgraduate at Goldsmiths University. Her series of "Fabric Paintings" led her to printed textiles; then rigorous training at Morley & London College of Fashion in pattern cutting and handcraft tailoring,culminating in an apprenticeship in central London's Soho; making jackets for clients on Savile Row and in Mayfair. She taught for over two decades in London,while painting from various studios, including at Vanguard Court and Studio Voltaire.She held an intern at the ICA; exhibited in and curated shows; working with UK galleries, other artists and art event directors.
Since the gallery's inception, HAGB has collaborated with the extremely well established and respected Goldmark Gallery.
HAGB's stance is to provide a high quality informed experience; grounded in context, historical; sociological or otherwise. Exhibitions can typically not exceed 3 a year as a result. HAGB establishes connections with other galleries, buyers and collectors through this traditional route rather than the global art fair circuit.
Prior to leaving London for Scotland, Phillips worked under Colonel Henry Brooke (HAGB) for a number of years. A close friendship was struck, which endured until his death. Col. Brooke housed an impressive collection of paintings and supported her work, unreservedly. The gallery is founded in his honour.
THE PATRON OF HAGB
Colonel Henry Arthur Gunning Brooke was awarded an Immediate MC at the final Battle of Monte Cassino, for in the words of General Alexander, his "skill, resourcefulness and inspirational leadership". In mid-May '44, Brooke was in command of a troop of 16/5th Lancers in the Liri Valley where he rallied his badly shaken crew. For 3 days he led a successful offensive in fierce fighting after his commanding officer and squadron leader were killed. Col Brooke contracted malaria in North Africa in '43; was blown up 3 times in his Sherman tank but survived to assume command in '66 of 16/5 Queens Royal Lancers and served as an outstanding Colonel of the 16/5th Regiment from 1979 to 1985.
Chelsea-ite, erudite
Honourable and Champagne-tight
Inspiring and bolshy
Always right.
DEATH OR GLORY