Inside London Art, 1945-2000

A former chairman of Sotheby's UK has written about the history of art in London, from 1945-2000. 

With a name of Rogues and Scholars, it's no surprise to find an assortment of colorful characters.

They include knockers, who used to go door to door, hoping to snap up bargains. Many pretended the mirrors and furnishings they were examining had flaws--so would then offer to take it off the owners' hands.

There was also a problem with runners. Sometimes the items they sold to auction houses and galleries were of questionable providence.

One runner, Michael Fulda, had questionable taste when it came to vehicles. After his van stopped working, he opted for a second-hand hearse!

James Stourton refers to other ''eccentrics'' in his book, but does not elaborate. Nor does he explain why the art duo, Gilbert & George, left a gallery in a huff to join another.

The pair's former dealer was Anthony d'Offay. He was able to make friends easily, but lost a number of them, too. 

D'Offay wanted to work with the world's most interesting artists, and in that he was successful. Among those showing at his gallery were Jasper Johns, Bill Viola, Joseph Beuys, and Jeff Koons. 

Perhaps the first star gallerist was Robert Fraser. He was at Keith Richards's country abode when the police made their controversial raid. The arrests and press photo inspired Richard Hamilton's Swingeing London 1967, which is reproduced in the book.

Another photo is of the Queen Mother at Mallett's furniture store. She was also known to visit Sotheby's, and once lunched there with Alfred Taubman. The chairman was nervous, but she made him feel comfortable.

Perhaps too much: He moved his arms while telling a story and spilled coffee all over the visitors page the Queen Mother had just signed!