Fashion Illustration Gallery was founded in 2007 by William Ling in order to promote and sell original art works and multiples made by artists who have worked as Fashion Illustrators.

Also known as FIG, the gallery’s inaugural exhibition, ‘100 Years of Fashion Illustration’ launched the book of the same name published by Laurence King. Access to the Vogue archive, in Hanover Square, was granted to FIG so that original work by Cecil Beaton, Carl Erickson and Rene Bouche was exhibited alongside works by Rene Gruau, Antonio Lopez, Mats Gustafson and Jean-Philippe Delhomme. The exhibition was presented at FIG's first gallery space (sponsored by J&M Davidson), 97, Golborne Road, London W10 5NL. Solo show’s by David Downton, Tanya Ling and Francois Berthoud followed before FIG moved to the Mayor Gallery, 22A Cork Street, London W1S 3NA where the first show presented works made for Vogue China by Marko Matysik.

Original work, commissioned for reproduction and made by Fashion Illustrators are often very beautiful and desirable as works of art in their own right however, once reproduced, these works were often either discarded or placed in the back of a studio draw and forgotten about. FIG has helped change that. These works deserve attention, the drawing and painting is of the highest quality and the works by the most accomplished are extremely collectable. The sifting process that starts with a young hopeful illustrator sitting with their portfolio in the foyer of Vogue House waiting for an appointment with the Creative Director ensures that only those with the greatest ability progress and those that maintain a 10 year+ career as a Fashion Illustrator do so, not because of industry hype or celebrity, they do so because of real talent.

FIG also aims to show work by its artists that are produced outside of the commissioning process. Works that would previously have been categorized out of exhibiting opportunities as the principle creative identity of their author was ‘commercial’ as opposed to ‘fine’.

A brief familiarisation with the history of Fashion Illustration can be tremendously rewarding. Brilliant observation of detail, style and demeanour, crafted in exceptional drawing and painting is evident in abundance. The market for original works made by the leading practitioners of this genre is emerging and great artists previously overlooked are being rediscovered. The genre is genuiney popular and the popularity is global and this bodes well for its future. A unique opportunity exists now for collectors to get ahead of the pack and create for themselves museum quality collections. This moment will pass.

FIG represents many of the most important Fashion Illustrators working today including, Francois Berthoud, Jean-Philippe Delhomme, David Downton, Tanya Ling, Jason Brooks, Gladys Perint Palmer and Marko Matysik. Between them these artists have made work for virtually every major international fashion magazine as well as a myriad of fashion businesses including Barneys, Selfridges, Louis Vuitton, Viktor & Rolf, Chanel and Burberry.

FIG exhibitions are open to the public. At other times viewing of work by FIG artists is possible by appointment only. Opportunities for students to make appointments are limited to one day in each month. To make an appointment please contact the gallery on +44 (0)20 8543 6731 or email, info@fashionillustationgallery.com.