About AFP
Academy Fine Paintings is owned and curated by Gavin Claxton, an expert in 19th century British and European paintings. After studying Art History, Gavin joined the BBC in 1990 where he worked for Radio Four and the World Service before joining Sir Bob Geldolf’s television production company Planet 24 in 1994. Between 1998 and 2001 Gavin worked as a writer, producer, and director on numerous British television series before forming his own production company Fireside Favourites. In 2007 he wrote and directed the feature film ‘The All Together’ starring Martin Freeman which was released in cinemas in the UK by Lions Gate.
Inspired by the writer and art historian Brian Sewell, whom he first met whilst working in television, Gavin returned to his first love when he founded Academy Fine Paintings in 2011. An admirer and champion of works of art that possess intelligence, compassion, and great technical skill, Gavin has a particular fondness for English landscapes, European vedute scenes, subject pictures, and figural paintings of the Belle Epoque.
Academy Fine Paintings is a member of LAPADA, the largest UK trade association of art and antiques dealers and CINOA, the International Confederation of Art and Antique Dealers. Inspired by a connoisseur’s eye for authenticity, quality, and condition Academy Fine Paintings is a gallery founded on the principles and preoccupations of an art collector rather than just the motivations of the art dealer. With this in mind no painting is offered for sale until it is in the finest condition it can be for its age. Each painting is first appraised by one of the UK's most experienced fine art conservators and any necessary restoration carried out to the highest professional standards.
Anti-Money Laundering
In an effort to combat the financing of organised crime and international terrorism the UK government requires auction houses and art dealers to conduct due diligence on individual transactions at or above a threshold of €10,000. This Anti-Money Laundering legislation means we are legally obliged to carry out identification checks on clients prior to the conclusion of any qualifying sale. Similar legislation will soon be passed in the US. The due diligence process is quick, uncomplicated, and conducted in the strictest confidence by our AML partner Arcarta. In accordance with Global Data Protection Regulations, Academy Fine Paintings is committed to protecting our client’s privacy.
Your gallery is definitely and by far the best I have found. The paintings are so beautiful, you are so nice to deal with and when they arrive they truly need no cleaning and can be hung immediately”
“Thanks for all your amazing help and guidance. It was a pleasure meeting you. I will always buy with confidence from you. Beautiful painting, speedy safe delivery”.
“It is a pleasure doing business with a gentleman and trusted art adviser. Always perfect in every way. One of the truly great art dealers. Thank you”.
“Gavin was a tremendous help in helping us with our purchase and he alleviated any reservations we had about buying art online. The piece was just as he said, and we are very pleased. Shipping was remarkable... only 4 days!”.
“ We love the painting and bought with confidence from across the Atlantic based on Gavin’s honesty and expertise.”.
“This is my second piece purchased from Academy Fine Paintings. Great communication, shipping, and quality of both pieces. I would highly recommend this fine art dealer."
“I had a wonderful buying experience. It was exactly as anticipated and the shipping of this (very large and heavy) painting was flawless and free of charge. Gavin was considerate and thoughtful in keeping me informed of the steps in the process. Overall, just a great transaction. Well done all!”.
“Gavin was spectacular throughout the process with timely and professional communication. Packaging and shipping matched the communication. And most importantly, the artwork was accurately portrayed in the pictures and description. I would readily buy another piece of art from Gavin again."
“I would - and will - buy from Academy Fine Paintings again. I am extremely pleased with the buying process, the shipping, and the painting itself is magnificent.”.
“Gavin replied to my questions quickly with detailed and useful answers. The piece was very well packaged and arrived as promised. I would highly recommend Academy Fine Paintings and look forward to conducting business again.”.
Our experience, purchase, and shipment was timely and very smooth. The painting is extraordinary and exactly as described."