People

Simon Oldfield, Founding Partner of Simon Oldfield Art Associates, brings a unique and powerful synergy to the art world. Combining his expertise as an art advisor, curator, and lawyer, he provides clients with comprehensive, strategic counsel that spans the entire spectrum of art and culture. This integrated approach allows him to navigate complex transactions, curate exceptional collections, and provide unparalleled insights into the art market.
 
As a seasoned art advisor, Simon has cultivated longstanding relationships with private and corporate collectors worldwide, guiding them in building and maintaining world-class art collections. He demonstrates his curatorial vision in his collaborations with major institutions such as the Royal Academy of Arts, Tate, and Arts Council England, and at his former eponymous gallery, he curated one of the first solo presentations of paintings by Michael Armitage, demonstrating his ability to identify and showcase emerging talent. Simon also leads cultural place-making projects, exemplified by his current work at Wolterton Hall in Norfolk, and his previous collaboration with Grosvenor Estate, transforming heritage buildings on Mount Street and Carlos Place into cultural destinations.
 
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. This combined knowledge is invaluable for his high profile clients.
 
Beyond his work with clients, Simon is a significant contributor to the broader art and culture landscape. As co-founder, with Elizabeth Day, of Pindrop, he fosters collaborations between leading artists, writers, and actors, creating innovative and engaging experiences. This cultural engagement, including the publication of 'A Short Affair', a book uniting art and literature with bestselling writers and leading artists (published by Simon & Schuster in collaboration with the Royal Academy of Arts) born from the live events of Pindrop, enriches his perspective and benefits his clients.  His thought leadership is further demonstrated through his public speaking engagements, including appearances on the Talk Art and Convoco podcasts, and Monocle 24 and Waterstones' IGTV. He also provides expert opinion and evidence, including submissions to a House of Lords’ cross-party Parliamentary enquiry into the impact of technology on the creative industries. In addition, Simon sits on the Philanthropy Board of Art UK. He has served on judging panels for awards such as the British Book Awards, the Caitlin Art Prize, and the Jerwood Drawing Prize. He has also contributed to publications like Monocle, Harper's Bazaar, and FT Weekend.

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.