People

Simon Oldfield, Founding Partner of London-based Simon Oldfield Art Associates, brings a distinctive combination of curatorial, art advisory, and legal expertise to the art world. He provides clients with expert advice rooted in deep market intelligence and extensive experience. This integrated approach, underpinned by a broad international network, enables him to lead complex projects, curate exceptional exhibitions and build outstanding art collections.

 
As a seasoned curator and art advisor, Simon has cultivated longstanding relationships with collectors worldwide. His curatorial highlights include one of the first solo presentations of paintings by Michael Armitage at his former eponymous gallery, and collaborations with major institutions such as the Royal Academy of Arts, Tate, and Arts Council England.   

Simon also leads cultural place-making projects.  He is currently Artistic Director for the new arts and culture programme at Wolterton Hall in Norfolk and previously advised Grosvenor Estate on its cultural programme in Mayfair, with a focus on re-imagining heritage buildings on Mount Street and Carlos Place. 

 
Simon's legal background provides a critical advantage in the art world, enabling him to navigate the complexities of art transactions. This unique combination of legal and art market knowledge allows Simon Oldfield Art Associates to offer clients comprehensive strategic counsel.  
 
Beyond his work with clients, Simon is a significant contributor to the broader art and culture landscape. As co-founder of Pindrop with Elizabeth Day, he fosters collaborations between leading artists, writers, and actors, creating innovative and engaging experiences.  This was brought together in 'A Short Affair', a book uniting art and literature with bestselling writers and leading artists (compiled and edited by Simon, published by Simon & Schuster in collaboration with the Royal Academy of Arts).  

He is also a prominent public speaker with highlights including the Vatican/Deloitte’s Art & Finance Conference, London School of Economics, Kunsthalle Zurich, Art Basel, Amazon, BMW Welt, The Arts Club, Society of London Art Dealers, Laguna Art Museum of California, and Hauser & Wirth. He has been a guest on the Talk Art, Monocle 24 podcasts, Artlogic Connects and Waterstones Live. Simon has contributed to publications including Monocle, Harper's Bazaar, and FT Weekend, served on judging panels for awards such as the Sunday Times Watercolour Competition, the British Book Awards, the Caitlin Art Prize and the Jerwood Drawing Prize, and provided expert opinion to a House of Lords’ cross-party Parliamentary enquiry into the impact of technology on the creative industries.   Simon sits on the Philanthropy Board of Art UK.

Tim Julian brings a wealth of strategic insight and a deep understanding of the broader cultural landscape to Simon Oldfield Art Associates. With a distinguished career spanning television, film, entertainment, and significant work with leading cultural institutions, Tim has consistently operated at the highest levels, notably as a senior leader at The Walt Disney Company, where he directed international marketing, brand, and market research. He subsequently established his own international agency, providing strategic counsel across the creative and cultural sectors, cultivating a profound understanding of creative production and audience engagement from all perspectives.

Tim’s extensive experience has been consistently data-driven, providing him with a unique ability to analyze market trends and inform strategic decision-making. This analytical approach complements Simon Oldfield Art Associates’ commitment to providing clients with a professional and informed service. Tim’s expertise helps clients navigate the art market with clarity and confidence, ensuring their decisions are supported by robust data and insight. He has played a strategic role in the development of numerous significant cultural brands and movements, including, for example, Net-a-Porter and BBC iPlayer. He has also worked on highly strategic projects for leading cultural institutions, including the BBC, Sky Arts, the Royal Opera House, and the Royal Albert Hall. His contributions to the advisory board of Pindrop, including its programmes at the Royal Academy of Arts, BAFTA, and its Arts Council England book tour at Tate Liverpool, Turner Contemporary, Pallant House Gallery, and The New Art Gallery Walsall, further illustrate his ability to bridge the gap between artistic vision and diverse audiences.

At Simon Oldfield Art Associates, Tim leverages his comprehensive understanding of the creative and cultural landscape to enhance the firm’s client services, which encompass a holistic and strategic approach to building art collections and cultural projects. He works closely with clients, ensuring seamless delivery and exemplary service, mirroring the firm’s commitment to providing a holistic and strategic approach to art-related projects. Tim's ability to bridge the gap between artistic vision and audience reception aligns perfectly with the firm’s dedication to fostering meaningful connections within the art world.