New Dealer: Jason Smallwood

Jason Smallwood is the newest edition to the dealers at Alfies, and he's bought with him a very unique collection of pieces - many with unique histories too.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I have been collecting 'Outsider Art' for about 25 years now. It's just a genre of Art that interests me. Usually the narrative or the story of the artist is mostly of a non academic background and rarely were they accepted by the class of the academic art world, involving gallery exhibitions. There is also usually some form of mental illness involved in the character of the artist. 

How did you become a dealer?

I was a collector before I was a dealer and it's just something that grew into what I now do for a living. I have sold collections of rare paintings, I have discovered and owned some of the biggest buyers in this field of art. Having a love and passion for this kind of art has really helped my business as an art dealer. 

How would you describe your stock?

My stock is an interesting mix of self-taught, outsider, non-academic and visionary painters and sculptors..all with very interesting backgrounds.

Do you have any personal favourites in your collection? 

Current favourites in my stock right now are two rare and original 1971 private language paintings by the Plymouth based artist Robert Lenkiewicz. These were personal paintings of Lenkiewicz's that have been in a private collection for years, so now is the first time they have been viewed by the public. I met Lenkiewicz when he was alive and visited his studio in the nineties. To me he is one of the great "outsider" painters. He owned a 17th century skeleton of a woman called Ursula Kemp who was killed by trial for Witchcraft, and also embalmed the body of his friend and kept him in the drawer of his studio.

Do you have a favourite gallery to visit in London?

The Gallery of Everything on Chiltern Street.

Do you collect anything?

I collect lots of things, some useless and some beautiful, but mostly they are interesting and bizarre.

If you could own any piece of art from history what would it be?

I would love to own a painting called 'Peter and the Fisherman' by Mary Barnes circa 1960s/70s. I have owned various works by Mary Barnes at different times, and have sold them on to private buyers. But this one is a fantastic painting and one I would keep hold of.

You can find Jason at Alfies Antique Market, stand F051-51. Below are a few examples of items you'll find in his stand...

Mick Spilane Sculpture, 20th century

Richard Mcreith painting, acrylic on paper, 20th century

Mick Spilane drawing, crayon on paper, 20th century

Richard Mckreith painting, acrylic on paper, 20th century

Locket necklace pendant with illustrations made from hair, 20th century

Jason Smallwood
F050-51 | Tel: 07767 799 434 | Jasonsmallwood3@gmail.com | Instagram: @jason3smallwood

Alfies Christmas Opening Hours

Friday 23rd December: 

10am - 6pm

Saturday 24th December:

10am - 1pm

Alfies will be closed from 1pm Saturday 24th December 2016 

until 10am Tuesday 3rd January 2017 

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!