Great London Dealers for Yoruba Art

London has long established itself as an essential center for enthusiasts and scholars of Nigerian art in general, and Yoruba art in particular. Owing to the deep historical ties that bind Nigeria to Great Britain, Yoruba art found a warm reception here, evoking sustained interest among collectors and connoisseurs. Over the decades, several prominent British and American figures have presented masterpieces of this rich tradition in London. Among these dealers and collectors, some held a particular passion for Ibeji—twin figures central to the Yoruba twin cult in Yorubaland. These devoted admirers of Yoruba art include:

Ian Auld (1926-2000). A renowned ceramicist, Ian Auld taught at Ife University in Nigeria between 1970 and 1972, where he developed a profound passion for Yoruba art, amassing a collection of remarkable significance. Upon his return to England, he opened a small gallery in Comden Passage, Islington, a suburb of London. Ian passed away around the year 2000, and the majority of his collection remains within the family to this day.

Marvin Chasin (1934-2017). A collector and dealer of American origin but based in London, Marvin was also a highly regarded restorer of ceramics and tribal art in New York. He operated a stand on Portobello Road, where he primarily sold Yoruba art. His discerning eye allowed him to select pieces of exceptional quality, and his reputation at Portobello was such that he enjoyed privileged access to the finest artifacts. This was due in part to the close relationships he maintained with influential Nigerian "runners," who, during their regular visits to London, would always visit Marvin before any other dealer. He remains a reference for any Ibeji collector to this day.

Seward Kennedy (1925-2015). An American citizen residing in London, Seward Kennedy had worked in the oil industry before dedicating himself to the sale of tribal art. He maintained a stall on Portobello Road, where he offered a selection of tribal objects and rare pieces. He passed away a few years ago, and his collection was subsequently auctioned in London at Christie’s.

Maurice Joy. A trained anthropologist who studied at Oxford University, Maurice lived in London and worked in the anthropology department of a museum in northwestern England. He held a stand on Portobello Road, where he focused primarily on Yoruba art. His in-depth knowledge of tribal art has made him a reference in the field. Maurice is now retired.

IAN AULD

SEWARD KENNEDY