Sadie Coles is one of the well-renowned figures in the art industry. She mainly specializes in Contemporary art and works alongside contemporary artists. Moreover, the art dealer has been active in the art world for more than two decades. As such, she is one of the first choices for the artists while choosing their representative.
The art lover is one of the most respected dealers in the United Kingdom. She was listed in The Guardian's "Movers and Makers: the most powerful people in the art world" in 2014. Additionally, for her art services, the British government honored Coles with the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2021.
So, let's get to know about Sadie Coles' art career and personal affairs in this biography.
Jeffrey Loria Biography - Art Dealer And Former Montreal Expos Owner
Early Life And Family
The art enthusiast was born Sadie Judith Coles, in February 1963, in the United Kingdom. She was born into a kind family with supportive parents. Furthermore, the dealer has been passionate about art from a young age. She might have perhaps inherited that trait from her parents. Likewise, Sadie Cole's siblings haven't appeared in the public eye so, she might be an only child.
The trader completed her formal education in her hometown. She then enrolled at Middlesex University to continue her studies. Moreover, during her college years, Sadie was interested in both art and dramas. As a result, she graduated with a degree in art history and film studies in the early 1980s.
Sadie Coles loved art from a young age but only pursued an art career in her late twenties. Photo Source: Social Media.
After graduation, Coles initially worked at the National Theatre in the Opera House as a press and marketing assistant. However, she quickly got tired of the same repeated pattern and drama and quit her job. After that, the gallerist got a position in the Arnolfini Museum in Bristol. There she did an exhibition with an artist represented by Anthony d'Offay.
Moreover, the latter was so impressed with her work; he offered her a job in his gallery. Thus, it began her journey in the art industry.
Sadie Coles Net Worth And Career
The Britain native had a very humble beginning in the commercial art world. However, she quickly grasped the situation and raised herself to be one of the famous art dealers in London. So, Sadie Coles' net worth mainly comprises her earnings from her art dealings. Additionally, it includes her income from exhibitions, painting sales, friezes, art fairs, etc.
Although a newcomer, Coles represented the top emerging contemporary artists at that time. On her opening day in Heddon Street, she showcased the paintings of New York artist John Currin.
Furthermore, John's more significant artworks' prices ranged from $15,000 to $20,000, and smaller ones cost $1,200 each. Now, more than two decades later, the same canvases cost millions. Moreover, as a veteran in the art business, Sadie Coles must earn much more than her initial dealings.
Earnings From Art Career
Aforementioned, Sadie Coles initially worked for Anthony d'Offay's West End Gallery in London. It was indeed a new experience for her to work in a commercial gallery from the museum. However, she quickly loved her new job after realizing the deeper bond between the gallerist and the artists.
Moreover, Anthony worked with the best artists and created beautiful exhibitions, which urged Sadie to be creative like him. She also got the opportunity to work with Jeff Koons, Gilbert & George, Ellsworth Kelly, Kiki Smith, etc., and gained lots of information.
The art lover worked at West End Gallery for six years. During her final year, she did projects with many young artists such as Sarah Lucas and others. At that time, Coles decided to quit her job and open her own gallery. Before that, she also worked with Jeff Koons in New York for a while. Eventually, Sadie launched her gallery Sadie Coles HQ in April 1997.
The gallerist's first show was with Sarah Lucas titled The Law. It was organized in a large warehouse and before the official inauguration of her gallery. Moreover, Lucas and John Currin have encouraged her to open her private art studio from the beginning. The businesswoman is still representing them till now.
Sadie Coles has worked alongside many Contemporary artists such as Matthew Barney, John Brock, Laura Owens, etc. Photo Source: Social Media.
The art trader is one of the leading figures in the Young British Artists (YBA) movement. As a result, she doesn't try to limit her artists' approach and style in the art. Furthermore, the British art dealer doesn't claim ownership of her clients and provides them the ultimate power of choosing their representatives.
For instance, she represents Alvaro Barrington, who also works with four other gallerists, including Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac, Blum & Poe, Corvi-Mora, and Emalin galleries.
The dealer opened her second art studio in September 2013 in London's West End. She launched her third gallery in November 2015 in Mayfair. Moreover, Sadie Coles currently represents forty-nine artists from all around the globe. Ryan Sullivan, Alex Da Corte, Simon Periton, Andreas Slominski, Carl Andre, Dirk Bell, Elizabeth Peyton, etc., are artists under Sadie Coles HQ.
The art enthusiast's polite nature and humble behavior have earned her many clienteles over the years. Moreover, she prioritizes her representatives and provides them exceptional services, which have increased her reputation among other gallerists.
Thus, Sadie Coles' net worth must have risen alongside her prosperous career over the years.
Broken Marriage And A Loving Mother
As a popular figure in the art world, many people are curious about Coles' relationship status. However, it might be shocking to know that she married a controversial German photographer Juergen Teller in 2003. Moreover, she is the second wife of Teller after his divorce from his first partner Venetia Scott.
Sadie Cole's ex-husband, Juergen Teller, blends the art and fashion and presents a raw and unrestrained image in his photographs. He does not shy from shooting nude pictures, which has created many controversies over the years. Still, despite having a wrong perception in the media, Sadie always supported her former husband's career. She is often credited in Juergen's interviews.
The duo is also proud parents of a child. Sadie Cole's son, Ed Teller, is often photographed alongside his father. She also has a stepdaughter named Lola Teller.
Sadie Coles' ex-husband, Juergen Teller, is known for his unretouched and photoshop-free photography style. Photo Source: Social Media.
Despite having a mutual understanding and harmony, the couple couldn't continue with their marital life. As a result, they divorced in 2018. Moreover, although there is no information about alimony, the ex-pair must be co-parenting and raising their son. Additionally, Sadie Cole's ex-husband, Juergen Teller, soon moved on with his creative director, Dovile Drizyte.
Sadie Coles is currently enjoying a comfortable life with her son. Unlike her ex-beau, she doesn't seem to be interested in dating. Furthermore, the art dealer is giving more priority to her art career and working with new artists. She is still passionate about contemporary art and participates in many art fairs, friezes, Basels, etc.
Trivia And Facts
- Sadie Coles was listed in Artnet's Europe's 10 Most Respected Art Dealers in 2016 alongside Kamel Mennour, Massimo de Carlo, Thaddaeus Ropac, etc.
- She has written a review for Madonna's play titled Up For Grabs for The Guardian.
