Advisors
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Sophie Macpherson
FOUNDER
Sophie founded SML in 2002 and worked for 19 years at the helm of the business, diversifying into new geographies and services and working with some of the art worlds’ leading organisations through times of growth and change. She advised art world businesses including most prolifically galleries, auction houses, art fairs, funds and advisory platforms, not-for-profits ranging from national galleries to smaller independent foundations, artists, collectors and commentators. She lectured on the composition of the art market and careers within it at universities and events worldwide, and was an ongoing resource for those seeking advice and assistance in building their teams or advancing their careers throughout her time at SML. Sophie will continue to help with directors of SML in an advisory capacity as the business continues to grow.
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James Kelly
Advisor
James Kelly is a finance professional providing commercial and strategic advice to a wide variety of individuals, business and charities. Immersed in the arts and art-related businesses for over 30 years, he is currently a Trustee of the City and Guilds London School of Art and The Photographers Gallery. Prior to his semi–retirement he was a director of Science Limited, which managed the affairs and business activities of contemporary artist Damien Hirst. During his time at Science he played a key role in projects such as the creation of Newport Street, Hirst’s gallery, which won the 2016 Stirling Prize for UK’s best building. He also was involved in significant elements of the artist’s epic Treasures exhibition that opened to acclaim in 2016. James retired from full time employment with Science and now provides commercial and strategic advice to businesses within the art world through his consultancy. Previously, he spent more than 20 years as a partner at the international Chartered Accountants, Rawlinson & Hunter, where his clients included artists, photo libraries, galleries and auction houses. This background brings a valuable and informed financial and commercial experience to SML.
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Ian Strathcarron
Advisor
Lord Strathcarron is Chairman of Unicorn Publishing Group LLP and the interior design company Play ID Ltd. When not on boards, he is the author of the spy thrillers Invisibility and Black Beach, the historical travel works Joy Unconfined! Lord Byron’s Grand Tour Re-Toured and the Mark Twain travel trilogy Innocence and War: Mark Twain’s Holy Land Revisited, The Indian Equator: Mark Twain’s India Revisited and Heart of Lightness, Mark Twain’s Mississippi Revisited. He has also written the philosophy guides Living with Life and Mysticism and Bliss, the Sir Francis Chichester biography Never Fear! and most recently the Bertie Wooster biography Crikey! How Did That Happen? He is currently writing Confessions of a Publisher; It Needn’t Be like This, But It Somehow Just Is.
