Galleries go online as world of art adjusts

The London gallery launched a series of videos with artists in their studios discussing their work as well as also using virtual reality technology which they hope to develop further where users can engage directly with artists and staff at the gallery.

Their aim is so "people get a better feeling of being part of the action than being distanced from it".

"It's the new world, we're all having to adapt to that, but what is important is that this in itself is not going to replace the face-to-face traditional way of running a business like mine," said Peter Osborne, co-owner of Osborne Samuel. "We have all raised our game in the area and there are people out there who will buy from us on their phones and on their tablets for things they never physically seen."

Annual art fairs have also taken the step in launching online viewing rooms as a response to the current situation.

Ongpin, who is also chairman of London Art Week which takes place July 3-10, said the decision to go ahead with an online fair was to create a new space for dealers to work together.

"We have completely revamped the London Art Week website so that the exhibitors can upload between eight and 25 works of art; before it was only around three to four images each," he said.

Some 53 exhibitors, with some newcomers, will be taking part in the event including those from Germany, France, Italy and the United States as well as those in the United Kingdom.

Ongpin said going online has allowed a much broader group of galleries to take part, but also maintains the collegiate nature of the event.