Senior Art Advisor | Strategic Advisory, Collector Education & Contemporary Acquisitions
In a world where art acquisition can often feel overwhelming or opaque, Simon Hayes brings clarity and confidence to the process. As a Senior Art Advisor at The London Art Exchange, Simon is known for his thoughtful, well-researched approach to helping clients navigate the fine art market—whether they’re exploring their first investment piece or expanding an established collection.
With a background in both modern art history and private client services, Simon approaches each engagement with professionalism, patience, and depth. His role isn’t to push decisions—it’s to support them with insight. His clients describe him as steady, articulate, and quietly persuasive, known for demystifying the process without ever diluting the value of the work.
A Thoughtful Entry into the Art World
Simon’s entry into the art sector was shaped by both academic interest and professional discipline. He studied art history with a concentration in post-war European movements, before going on to train in client management within the luxury services industry. It was this dual perspective—art as scholarship, and advisory as service—that made him uniquely positioned for the art investment space.
Prior to joining LAX, Simon worked with a boutique arts consultancy, advising private collectors on building themed portfolios. His ability to distill complex cultural and economic factors into accessible insights quickly made him a valuable resource for clients looking to build intelligently.
He joined The London Art Exchange during a period of rapid growth and quickly became a key figure within the advisory team, valued not only for his client outcomes but also for his collaborative, team-oriented approach.
Building Trust Through Structure
Simon’s advisory model is based on informed guidance rather than persuasion. He typically begins with an in-depth consultation—mapping a client’s goals, interests, and comfort levels—before introducing works that reflect both aesthetic alignment and long-term value.
“People need room to consider what a piece means to them—not just what it might be worth in ten years,” Simon explains. “My role is to support both conversations.”
This approach has proven especially effective with clients seeking to balance personal resonance with market potential. Whether working with first-time collectors or experienced investors, Simon is skilled at identifying pieces that reflect both taste and timing.
He’s also known for his ability to anticipate collector hesitations—offering tailored context that speaks to each client’s values, whether cultural, financial, or curatorial.
Contemporary Focus with Market Awareness
Simon has a particular strength in identifying promising contemporary voices. His recommendations are often backed by deep artist research, secondary market trends, and comparative analysis, but always framed within a client-first perspective.
He maintains active relationships with LAX’s curators and partner galleries, keeping ahead of emerging movements and upcoming exhibitions. His clients often benefit from early access to new works or limited editions, and he’s instrumental in shaping collector journeys that evolve with both market shifts and personal interest.
Recent projects include:
- Assisting a private equity firm in developing a socially engaged art portfolio as part of their ESG framework
- Guiding a London-based couple through the acquisition of their first five-piece capsule collection, focused on female-led abstraction
- Consulting on a regional placement initiative that introduced underrepresented UK artists into corporate holdings
Steady, Informed, and Personable
What sets Simon apart is his manner—calm, well-prepared, and quietly confident. He’s often requested for higher-stakes conversations, not because he’s forceful, but because clients appreciate his transparency, attention to detail, and balanced assessments.
Internally, he is known for offering thoughtful contributions during strategy meetings and regularly supports new advisors by sharing insights on artist research and client preparation.
“Simon doesn’t chase results,” says Andrew Bailey, Senior Portfolio Manager. “He earns trust, and the results follow naturally.”
What’s Ahead
Simon is currently contributing to a new internal project focused on enhancing collector education materials—developing digital resources and written guides for clients interested in learning more about the cultural and financial dimensions of their acquisitions.
He’s also working with the gallery’s international team to explore client expansion in mature secondary markets, particularly Germany and the Netherlands, where collector appetite continues to rise for narrative-rich contemporary works.
Outside of work, Simon is a keen reader of political non-fiction, an avid gallery-goer, and a dedicated attendee of London’s smaller, independent shows. He believes good advisory work is shaped by curiosity and continues to evolve with the industry.
