Portuondo focuses in three fields, art, antiques and design. It is managed and run by Hugo and Diego Portuondo for whom antiques have always played a vital role.
It is not only a trade they have pursued but a passion for the decorative arts. They originate from a family of antique dealers, decorators and fabric designers (Gaston y Daniela est.1876). Both their father and uncle have been in the antique business for the past 45 years dealing in 17th, 18th and 19th Century continental, English and Russian furniture, object d’art and decorative arts. Having worked alongside their father Jorge Portuondo Wakonigg in Paris and Madrid for the past ten years they have accumulated knowledge and experience in this specialised field.
Previously both brothers were academically trained in the Arts. Hugo graduated in Art History and European cultural studies continuing his training in the French Auction houses under the wing of René Millet, an international French old master paintings expert appraising public and private collections. Furthermore acting as an art consultant he has built up considerable experience in private sales of old master paintings and 20th Century ‘blue chip’ works of art..
Diego graduated in photography from London College of Printing after passing through Central Saint Martins college of Art and Design. His works have been exhibited in solo and group shows in galleries and fairs worldwide from Madrid, Miami, Barcelona, Brussels ,Mexico DF, and London to name a few. Currently his work is also on show at Portuondo alongside other young artist, sculptors and photographers.
Their passion for 20th Century design has grown over the years leading them to fuse it together with contemporary art and antiques in an eclectic melting pot of styles. All this has culminated in the brothers opening a second gallery space in London at 84 Pimlico Road. Having only opened their doors in the summer of 2012 this new and exciting venture showcases a representation of all they love and admire in Art, Antiques and Design.