Derek Johns

Derek Johns became a Director of Sotheby´s in 1968 at the age of twenty six, and was subsequently appointed Head of the Old Master Paintings department by 1974. In 1981 he became an independent art dealer in partnership with Philip Harari and formed Harari & Johns Ltd at 12 Duke Street, St James's. He established his own gallery, Derek Johns Ltd in 1996 and remained at the same Duke Street address until 2016 when he moved to the current premises in Bury Street. 

Derek Johns has expertise in all major European schools of art from the 13th to the 18th centuries, particularly Spanish, Italian and French. The gallery offers European Old Masters but also Viceregal and South-American paintings. Occasionally, it also handles 19th and 20th century paintings and drawings. Well known for his talent for uncovering neglected masterpieces, Derek Johns supplies the world's leading museums and private collections.

He is assisted by Ellida Minelli in running the gallery. Ellida joined Derek Johns Ltd in 2011 after completing her MA at the Courtauld Institute of Art and one year's experience in an auction house. She has a particular interest in Venetian 16th century art.