London, 21 May 2026 - Christie’s is delighted to be partnering with the South London Gallery (SLG) on a special exhibition marking its 135th year and raising vital funds to support this landmark arts organization. Realized by the Gallery in collaboration with Christie’s Private Sales, the SLG Forever exhibition will be open to the public at Christie’s London from 5 to 25 June, and will continue online until 30 September 2026. To coincide with London Gallery Weekend (5 to 7 June), the exhibition will be open to the public for extended hours (11am to 6pm on Friday and Saturday; and 12 to 5pm on Sunday).
The SLG is one of London’s leading contemporary art galleries with ground-breaking Artistic and Communities & Learning programs. It has championed the role of art in society since it was established as a charity in 1891, and its work has been transformative for countless artists, children and young people, and inspired millions of visitors over its 135-year history.
June 2026 will see the launch of the SLG Forever anniversary campaign, which aims to raise £2 million to build on this legacy and ensure the gallery continues to thrive for years to come.
More than 25 stellar British and international artists have generously donated works to SLG Forever. The artists have strong connections to the SLG and its Director, Margot Heller, in her 25th year in the role. Many have had solo shows at the SLG, including Firelei Báez, Nairy Baghramian, Alvaro Barrington, Leonardo Drew, Tracey Emin, Ryan Gander, Katharina Grosse, Christina Kimeze, Michael Landy, Pope.L, Magali Reus and Keith Tyson, while others have featured in group exhibitions. Some have, or have had, studios near the SLG, including Sir Frank Bowling, Edmund de Waal, Antony Gormley, Anish Kapoor, Allison Katz, Francesca Mollett and Raqib Shaw. Shaw donated a former Fire Station to the SLG which opened as an award-winning annexe to the SLG in 2018. Gabriel Orozco created the SLG’s permanent Orozco Garden which opened to the public ten years ago. Other exhibiting artists include Oliver Bak, Chila Burman, Peter Davies, Pedro Reyes, Ana Segovia, Yinka Shonibare, Silät (Wichi Community, Argentina) and Joseph Yaeger.
Proceeds from sales will raise much-needed funds to upgrade the historic main gallery building, commission new works by some of today’s most exciting artists, and engage thousands more local children and young people each year through the SLG’s acclaimed Communities & Learning programs. This exhibition is the first of a series of fundraising activities organized to unfold over the course of 2026.
Margot Heller, Director, South London Gallery: “ We are thrilled to be partnering with Christie’s on the SLG Forever exhibition. Artists and philanthropists have been the life blood of the SLG since its foundation 135 years ago, when the artists Sir Frederic Leighton, Edward Burne-Jones, G. F. Watts and Walter Crane were on the founding board of trustees of the charity. The support of artists and philanthropists has been critical to the SLG’s success ever since. I’m deeply grateful to all the artists who have so generously donated such great works to SLG Forever, not only making it a richly engaging exhibition, but one which will raise the necessary funds to enable us to thrive into the future.”
Tessa Lord, Head of Post-War and Contemporary Art, Christie’s London and Annabelle Scholar, Senior Client Advisor, Director, Client Advisory, EMEA at Christie’s: “ Celebrating 135 years, the South London Gallery has played a vital role in championing artists and expanding access to contemporary art through its pioneering exhibitions and deeply rooted community programs. The SLG Forever exhibition is a powerful reflection of this legacy, bringing together artists whose practices have been shaped and influenced by the institution. Christie’s is proud to support this important initiative, helping to amplify the Gallery’s enduring impact and to ensure its continued ability to inspire artists, audiences, and local communities for generations to come.”
The SLG Forever exhibition forms part of Christie’s program of auctions, exhibitions, and activities comprising the London Summer Season, in celebration of the dynamism and creativity London inspires. Entry is free and open to the public. All info can be found here.
South London Fine Art Gallery and Library (registered in England with charity number 312160) will receive a minimum of 80% of the sale price from each artwork included and sold in this exhibition.
Exhibition highlights
About The South London Gallery
The SLG has an international reputation for its contemporary art exhibitions by established, mid-career and younger artists and program of film and performance events. Its highly regarded, free Communities & Learning program includes a peer-led young people’s collective; family workshops; artist-led projects on local housing estates; and a program for looked after children. The South London Gallery (SLG) was founded in the 19th century by philanthropist William Rossiter to ‘bring art to the people of south London’. Today the gallery comprises its original site at 65 Peckham Road; the Fire Station, which opened to the public in 2018; Art Block, a space for local children and families on Sceaux Gardens Estate and an artist-designed garden. The SLG is a registered charity, which raises more than half of its income from trusts and foundations, sponsors, individuals, and fundraising events.
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(Press Release)
