In an era of fairs and fast sales, David Izzard is betting on focus, rigour, and the power of private relationships.
In a contemporary art market increasingly shaped by spectacle, David Izzard is choosing a more measured path. As the founding director of London’s Yield Gallery, he has built a reputation rooted in discretion, rigour and enduring relationships. His approach is clear: rather than chase trends, Yield focuses on trust. Artworks are never treated as stock, but considered carefully within the context of a collector’s vision and the gallery’s wider programme.
Courtesy of Yield Gallery
Discretion is at the heart of everything we do. Our relationships with collectors are long term, trust based, and deeply personal
David Izzard
Founded in Blackheath in 2019, Yield has expanded steadily, now occupying a refined space on Eastcastle Street in Fitzrovia and, more recently, opening a gallery in Dubai’s financial district. While the gallery is known for presenting sought-after works by Banksy, Basquiat and Warhol, it also maintains a strong commitment to new voices. Exhibitions such as Home Grown have introduced collectors to a new generation of British artists, selected for what Izzard describes as “something fresh, urgent and intelligent”.
A former British Army strategist, Izzard brings a rare level of discipline and clarity to his role. Under YG Group Ltd, he has guided Yield to operate at the intersection of fine art and finance, offering advisory services tailored to high-net-worth clients. “We see art as both culture and capital,” he explains—though he is equally firm in distancing the gallery from the more performative aspects of the market. Yield does not take part in art fairs or auctions. Instead, it favours a slower, more private form of collecting, where clients are encouraged to reflect, ask questions and buy with conviction.
That sense of restraint extends to every part of Yield’s identity. In an increasingly fast-paced and transactional environment, Izzard remains committed to what he sees as the fundamentals: consistency, transparency and meaningful engagement. “We don’t believe more noise equals more value,” he says. “What matters is being present where it counts—for our artists, our collectors, and our team.”
At Yield, success is not measured by visibility, but by integrity. “We’re building something to last,” Izzard says. It’s a quiet philosophy—but one that’s clearly gaining ground.
Courtesy of Yield Gallery
Yield Gallery has built a reputation for discretion and collector focused curation. How does this philosophy influence your approach to sourcing and presenting artworks?
David Izzard: Discretion is at the heart of everything we do. Our relationships with collectors are long term, trust based, and deeply personal. That means we’re selective about the works we take on, the artists we represent, and how those works are presented. Instead of chasing trends or headlines, we focus on quality, authenticity, and helping each client build a collection that’s meaningful to them. Much of our sourcing happens off market, through trusted artist relationships, private collectors, and established dealers. Each piece is considered in context, and we never treat art as just inventory.
The gallery emphasizes “no auctions, no fairs.” What motivated this departure from traditional art market practices, and how has it shaped your relationships with collectors?
David Izzard: We made a very deliberate decision early on to stay out of the auction and fair circuit. Those spaces serve a purpose, but they often prioritise visibility over substance. We wanted to create something different, an environment where collectors could slow down, ask questions, and acquire work with real confidence. By removing the pressure and performance from the process, we’ve been able to develop far more meaningful relationships with our clients. It’s a quieter model, but a more enduring one.
Courtesy of Yield Gallery
Your recent exhibition, Home Grown, celebrated emerging British artists. What inspired this platform, and how does Yield Gallery support rising talent while maintaining your distinctive curatorial edge?
David Izzard:Home Grown was about championing the next generation of British talent, artists who are saying something fresh, urgent, and intelligent through their work. Supporting emerging artists is central to our mission, but we apply the same level of rigour as we do with blue chip names. Every artist we work with must bring something unique to the table, and we invest heavily in helping them develop, not just commercially, but creatively. We curate with intention, so when we present new talent, it’s always in dialogue with our wider program.
With locations in Fitzrovia, Blackheath, and Dubai, how do these distinct spaces contribute to the gallery’s mission and the experience you offer to clients?
David Izzard: Each space serves a specific purpose. Fitzrovia is our flagship, calm, considered, and designed for collectors to view major works in an environment free from distraction. Blackheath is where it all began, and it continues to offer a more intimate, community driven experience. Dubai is a new chapter, an opportunity to connect with a growing base of serious collectors in the Middle East. Across all three, our ethos stays the same: meaningful curation, private service, and real access to important work.
In an art world often driven by spectacle, how does Yield Gallery maintain its commitment to authenticity and meaningful engagement with art?
David Izzard: We don’t believe that more noise equals more value. Instead of trying to be everywhere, we focus on being present where it matters, to our artists, our collectors, and our team. That means small, powerful shows. One on one conversations. And a refusal to compromise on the standards we set. Authenticity is built slowly, and we’re okay with that.
Courtesy of Yield Gallery
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for Yield Gallery, and how do you envision its role in the evolving landscape of art collecting?
David Izzard: We want to keep building on what we’ve started, connecting collectors with work that matters, supporting artists with integrity, and growing quietly but meaningfully. As the art world becomes increasingly transactional and fast paced, we see an opportunity to stand apart by slowing things down and placing value on trust, expertise, and long term vision.
David, as someone quietly redefining how collectors engage with contemporary art, what personal values or moments have most influenced your leadership style and creative direction?
David Izzard: I’ve always believed in doing things with intention. My background isn’t in chasing status, it’s in building things that last. I’ve seen what happens when the art world gets caught up in ego and excess, and I wanted to create a gallery that felt different. For me, it’s about consistency, clarity, and respect, for the artists, for the collectors, and for the work itself. That’s what guides every decision we make.
©2025 Yield Gallery
Contributing writer chronicling contemporary art’s beautiful mess — when he can get there. Survives on openings, opinions, one gallery, one artwork at a time. Considers espresso a meal.
