Senior Art Advisor | Specialist in Education-Driven Advisory & Client Development
While much of the art world focuses on acquisition, Simon Hayes focuses on development. As a Senior Art Advisor at The London Art Exchange, Simon brings a unique perspective to his role: one that values education as much as experience, and depth as much as results. His work is less about fast decisions and more about laying the groundwork for long-term, confident collecting.
With a background in cultural research and luxury consultancy, Simon is known for his calm, steady approach and his ability to turn curiosity into commitment. For him, each client interaction is the start of a journey—one built on understanding, strategy, and evolving taste.
A Belief in Knowledge as Currency
From the moment he joined The London Art Exchange, Simon was clear in his approach: clients deserve transparency, time, and tools to feel empowered in their choices. While some advisors lead with scarcity or urgency, Simon leads with context—historical, market-based, and emotional.
He offers clients a framework through which to explore collecting: introducing movements, artists, and themes not just as sales options, but as part of a broader conversation. For many clients, especially those new to the art world, this approach has been a revelation.
“Simon taught me to trust my instincts, but also gave me the knowledge to sharpen them,” said one long-standing client. “He never made me feel behind. He made me feel prepared.”
Client Growth with Intention
Simon often begins his relationships with early-stage collectors: people who are interested in art but unsure how to begin. Rather than presenting immediate solutions, he designs what he calls “collector pathways”—progressive, considered portfolios that grow with the client.
His methodology includes:
- Initial education on mediums, materials, and editions
- Exploration of themes or narratives that personally resonate
- Gradual introduction to value frameworks and market influences
- Ongoing review as clients’ confidence and interests evolve
He’s known for checking in long after a sale—not as a follow-up, but as a continuation of a shared journey. This consistency has created deep trust and high client retention, with many collectors returning annually to reassess, realign, or expand their holdings.
Encouraging Critical Engagement
Beyond financial considerations, Simon encourages clients to think critically about what they collect—and why. He introduces questions around artistic intent, socio-political context, and representation. For him, a successful collection isn’t just financially sound; it’s intellectually and emotionally coherent.
He’s worked with clients who’ve built collections based on:
- Mental health and healing narratives
- Environmental and material sustainability
- Feminist reinterpretations of classical themes
- Diasporic identity and intergenerational memory
These collections, curated with Simon’s support, often evolve into something deeply personal—sometimes even exhibition-worthy.
Internal Leadership in Education
Simon’s passion for education doesn’t stop with clients. Internally, he’s a key contributor to LAX’s training programme for new advisors, helping onboard team members with sensitivity and insight. His workshops focus on active listening, cultural competency, and how to pace an advisory relationship over time.
He’s currently collaborating with Samantha Cross on a collector resource hub: a digital library of videos, essays, and guides designed to help demystify the art world for first-time buyers. His upcoming contributions include a guide titled “From Interest to Intuition: A New Collector’s Framework.”
Measured, Clear, and Informed
Simon’s colleagues describe him as composed and reflective—a natural mentor who is generous with his knowledge and committed to maintaining a high standard of professionalism.
He rarely seeks recognition, but often receives it: from clients who appreciate his steadiness, and from teammates who turn to him when a conversation needs grounding.
“Simon reminds us that this work is about people, not just pieces,” says Christian Shaw. “He’s a quiet force of consistency.”
Looking to the Future
Simon’s vision for the future of advisory work is focused on empowerment. He believes the next generation of collectors—especially younger investors and underrepresented buyers—need access to tools and advisors who can guide without overwhelming.
He’s exploring ways to integrate more culturally diverse content into LAX’s client programming, and has expressed interest in co-leading a talk series on collecting as legacy: not just in wealth terms, but cultural ones.
Outside of work, he continues to visit independent exhibitions across the UK and Europe, and is currently writing a personal essay on the ethics of collecting art in politically unstable times.
