London gallery and advisory Mustard Contemporary specializes in meeting art collectors where they are—whether seasoned art world buyers or those endeavoring to start their collection from scratch. Founded by Oliver Munts in 2021, the burgeoning gallery has already developed a wide-ranging expertise in contemporary art, from blue chip icons to emerging talents. Based in London but with a growing digital presence, Mustard Contemporary is part of a new class of gallery that can tailor their services and support to clients and collectors, rather than the other way round.

We reached out to Munts to learn more about the most rewarding aspects of helming the gallery, and what’s next on the horizon.

Oli Epp, Quarantine (2020). Courtesy of Mustard Contemporary, London.

Can you talk about your background, and what inspired you to establish Mustard Contemporary?

I started my journey in the art world around a decade ago as an avid collector—I had a real passion that slowly moved beyond a hobby. I cultivated relationships with galleries globally and ended up traveling to exhibitions in the United States and China, actively supporting emerging artists who have since gained significant recognition. As my collection grew, the artworks I had acquired appreciated in value, and within my circle, I began selectively selling certain pieces upon request.

In 2016, I established Mustard, working exclusively with a curated selection of London galleries and collectors, sourcing and supplying works by renowned artists such as Damien Hirst, Yayoi Kusama, Oli Epp, and George Condo. In 2021, I set up Mustard Contemporary and began to work under a more traditional gallery structure. Since then, we have experienced exceptional growth, and I am profoundly grateful to our artists and clients for their overwhelming support.

What are some of your guiding principles as a gallerist and advisor?

I firmly believe that the relationships I forge both with my artists and collectors are paramount. The art world can be a labyrinth, particularly for newcomers, and they need to feel confident that they are working with someone who genuinely listens to their needs and has their best interests at heart. When you connect with people and establish a strong personal foundation, you can cultivate a lifelong partnership. This begins with the ability to provide what others cannot—whether this is supporting artistic practice, placing works, or locating rare and unique pieces for collectors. These are all facets of my profession that I really relish. Ensuring that I have exceeded expectations regarding the importance of a work, its value, and condition are factors that distinguish me from others in the field.

Yayoi Kusama, Pumpkin 2000 (Yellow) (2000). Courtesy of Christie’s.

What’s your favorite part of helming Mustard Contemporary? Most challenging?

My favorite aspect of steering Mustard Contemporary is the freedom and ability to connect with the art world in a way that was previously unattainable. I regularly engage with artists, writers, and collaborate closely with my internal team, curating off-site exhibitions and print editions that resonate with the gallery’s brand and excite our collector base. Recently, I have enjoyed visiting artists’ studios, preparing for the next phase of our evolution. At the same time, I still derive immense pleasure from the fundamental aspects of being an art dealer—uncovering works, negotiating prices, and finding new homes for these treasures. Witnessing art that has been hidden away for years regain its former glory, reframed, and taking pride of place in a collector’s space, fills me with a profound sense of accomplishment.

Director Oliver Munts. Courtesy of Mustard Contemporary, London.

Is there any perennial advice you can give to collectors?

Immerse yourself in art, take the time to discover what truly resonates with you, visit exhibitions and private views, support emerging artists and independent galleries. And most importantly try to derive genuine enjoyment from the entire experience. I also think it’s important to support emerging practices. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of collecting works from the next generation of artistic talent and watching as their careers flourish. I added a Mary Stephenson to my collection while she was still a student and later this year she will be opening a show at White Cube, Paris. You need to collect what you love, in recent years I’ve acquired some really amazing works from Thom Trojanowski, Rachel Hobkirk, and Louis Morlæ.

Installation view of “Mary Stephenson: Soft Serve” (2022). Courtesy of Linseed Projects.

Looking at the art landscape today, are there any trends you have noticed that you find particularly interesting or intriguing?

The art world has undergone significant transformations in recent years, and I find the increasing democratization of art through digital platforms and the emergence of new mediums and technologies particularly intriguing. While there has been unprecedented instability in recent years, I have also noticed a maintained appetite for prints and editions. Additionally, the growing emphasis on sustainability and ethical practices within the art world is a trend that I find really commendable and necessary for the industry’s long-term viability.

Rachel Hobkirk, Here’s Karen (2021). Courtesy of the artist.

Are there any artworks you consider “the one that got away”? Or an artwork you would love to get your hands on?

Honestly, there are too many to mention… I try not to worry too much about the ones I miss these days, there’s always something new around the corner!

Is there any gallery news or forthcoming events that you can share with us?

Absolutely! By the end of 2024, we will launch “Mustard Lab,” a print edition program dedicated to working with emerging artists in the early stages of their artistic journey. As well as this, we are working towards a few off-site exhibitions and art fairs that will feature a long list of emerging and established talent. This is an incredibly exciting time for the gallery, and we hope to be sharing a lot more with you soon.

Learn more about Mustard Contemporary here.