Theo van Gogh launched Monet’s London career
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In 1889, Theo van Gogh, Vincent van Gogh’s brother, organised Claude Monet’s first solo exhibition in London at the Boussod & Valadon gallery on New Bond Street.
Theo, an art dealer managing the gallery, had begun selling Monet’s work in 1887 and followed a successful Paris showing with the London event.
Though no paintings sold during the exhibition, contemporary newspaper reviews were largely positive, with one critic calling Monet “the art-hero of the hour.” The exhibition featured an unusual display intended to help London audiences, unfamiliar with Impressionism, appreciate the paintings. Critics explained that visitors were encouraged to sit and view the works from a distance to better understand the loose brushwork.
Historians previously believed British critics were slow to embrace Impressionism, but a review of articles from April and May 1889 shows widespread enthusiasm. Theo van Gogh had more success selling Monet’s paintings in Paris, moving over 60 works between 1887 and 1890. Vincent van Gogh himself admired Monet’s work, praising a painting described to him by Theo. Monet, in turn, recognised Vincent’s talent, telling Theo that his paintings were the best in an exhibition.
Monet’s second solo show in London wouldn't occur until 1936, long after his death, and exhibitions celebrating his work are currently on display in Paris and will travel to London’s Tate Modern in 2027.
