The Tale of Beau Gabriel and C. G. Williams

Many new galleries open in London each year, but few with the particularity of simply…not having a concept. In an old office space at 40 Great Russell Street, a new gallery called C.G. Williams opened its doors in March 2025. Nearby the British Museum, one could pass in front of it without ever knowing what was hiding inside number 40. But if one decided to wander in, they would discover an intimate space, designed by the acclaimed architect William Smalley RIBA, spread onto two floors, separated by a wooden staircase. Typical of old London buildings, with ceiling moldings and grand windows in each room, the space offers an eerie and luminous experience to visitors.

View of C.G. Williams

‘“We’ll continue refining the space over the next few weeks,”’ explains Caspar Giorgio Williams, the founder. His idea was simple; to stray away from the trend of most London galleries. Instead of having a specific polished identity in mind, which he thought of as too limiting, he decided instead to welcome artists and exhibitions of various mediums, themes and concepts. Williams imagined a place where artists could define the terms. “The gallery isn’t the statement,” he adds. “The work is.” But despite this choice, he still opened in orderly fashion, with a painting exhibition. 

Which is how the Salt Marsh Hay series painted by Beau Gabriel made its way onto the white walls of C.G.Williams. The artist, with a background in literature, set out to be a full-time artist after studying fine art in Paris. Passionate about literature and poetry, he incorporates these different disciplines into his work. Two years in the making, the series of paintings tell a tragedy in five acts and a prologue, rooting its inspiration in the Renaissance and Baroque movement, as well as in literature and poetry. While it remains a work of fiction, certain aspects of the works find their roots in the personal experience of the painter; an interesting pairing between fiction, Art History and biography comes into play.

              After the Storm, Beau Gabriel, 2024. Oil on panel, 150 x 200 cm.

Indeed, while they tell a tragic tale, the people depicted in Gabriel’s paintings are often close friends of his, family, or even himself, swiftly including a self-portrait in one of the bigger canvases. In addition, most of the landscapes show Mayne, where the artist spent most of his childhood holiday. But there are also certain modern elements that come and break the traditional first-look of these pieces. For instance, in Volta, while the woman at the center of the painting is posed as a goddess, a crown of flower upon her head, viewers look down to see that she is sporting…jellyfish shoes. Far from being unsettling, these elements bring a modern and unique touch to the works, and even encourage a certain treasure hunt. 

Volta, Beau Gabriel.

The paintings of Beau Gabriel transport the viewer into an epic tale, with some clues to find; elements from Maine, a self-portrait, and modern clothing. With a touch of humour added to the tragic story, the visit through the brand new C.G Williams gallery will leave all visitors both in admiration and in giggles. And without a continuous trajectory in mind, the gallery sets out to exhibit works for all tastes, so that everyone can find happiness in between their pristine white walls.