Roy Miles Gallery

The Roy Miles Gallery was a prominent Mayfair art institution during the 1970's and 1980's, founded by the flamboyant and entrepreneurial art dealer Roy Miles (1935–2012). Originally a hair salon proprietor, Miles entered the art market in the late 1960's after selling his salons to purchase Old Master paintings. The gallery operated from several prestigious London locations, including Duke Street (opened in 1973), Berkeley Square, and 29 Bruton Street. Miles was a major promoter of Victorian and Pre-Raphaelite art in the 1970's, helping to increase their market value significantly. In the 1980's, he became one of the first Western dealers to specialise in Russian art, touring the former Soviet Union to acquire works from artists' and their families. His gallery was known for its opening parties featuring champagne, ice sculptures, and celebrity guests such as Princess Margaret, the Queen Mother, Rudolf Nureyev, and Michael Caine, among many others. The gallery eventually closed in 1998 following financial difficulties.