Our temporary residencies are fleeting, but the cultural shift we spark is permanent.

We curate experiences that transcend traditional exhibition models, fostering deep connections between visionary creators, elite collectors, and global cultural communities.

Curated Provenance

Where Royal Heritage Meets the Creative Heart of East London

The Prince of Shoreditch is more than an art gallery. It is the meeting place of two extraordinary stories—one beginning in the royal palaces of West Africa and the other on the vibrant streets of Shoreditch, East London.

I am Emmanuel Olowookere, founder of The Prince of Shoreditch, and my vision has always been to build more than a gallery. I wanted to create a cultural institution that celebrates creativity, heritage and community while giving exceptional artists a global stage.

My inspiration comes from my grandfather, His Royal Majesty Sir Olateru Olagbegi II, the Olowo (King) of Owo Kingdom in Ondo State, Nigeria. He was one of the most influential traditional rulers of the twentieth century, serving as Olowo from 1941 before political upheaval led to his removal from office. Decades later, he was restored to the throne, a testament to the enduring respect for his leadership. He was also knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1960 for his public service.

The Owo Kingdom is one of the oldest Yoruba kingdoms, with a royal lineage that traces back through generations of traditional rulers and ultimately to Oduduwa, the ancestral founder of many Yoruba royal dynasties. The Olagbegi family has long been associated with leadership, education and public service.

But my own journey was very different.

I wasn't raised in a royal palace.

I was raised in East London.

Shoreditch became my classroom. Its streets, murals, markets, music, fashion, entrepreneurs and artists shaped the way I see the world. I watched creativity transform buildings into landmarks and local talent become global icons. I realised that some of the world's greatest artists don't just create inside galleries—they create in neighbourhoods, communities and cultures that deserve to be seen.

The Prince of Shoreditch was born to bridge these two worlds.

It combines the dignity of royal heritage with the fearless creativity of East London.

Our mission is to discover exceptional artists, champion underrepresented voices and connect collectors with artwork that carries meaning, identity and culture. We proudly showcase Black British, African, Afro-Caribbean and international contemporary artists while welcoming creators from every background whose work challenges, inspires and moves people.

We believe art is more than decoration.

It is history.

It is identity.

It is legacy.

Today, The Prince of Shoreditch is building a new kind of gallery—one that exists both online and through immersive pop-up exhibitions in London's creative districts. We are creating a destination where collectors, artists and cultural enthusiasts come together to discover the next generation of global talent.

Our ambition reaches far beyond selling artwork.

We are building one of the world's most respected cultural brands—one that honours the past, celebrates the present and invests in the future of contemporary art.

Our Vision

To become the world's leading platform for discovering and celebrating contemporary artists, recognised for curating exceptional exhibitions, creating unforgettable cultural experiences and transforming emerging talent into internationally recognised names.

Our Mission

To elevate artists, preserve culture and inspire the world through art, storytelling and innovation.

The Prince of Shoreditch

Where Culture Becomes Royalty.

Through meticulous selection and white-glove advisory, we ensure every acquisition represents both an act of cultural stewardship and a significant addition to the contemporary canon.

Global Recognition

A monumental shift in how contemporary African diaspora art is presented and acquired in Europe.

The Financial Times

The Prince of Shoreditch has successfully bridged street-level energy with museum-grade excellence.

Artforum

An essential destination for serious collectors tracking the new vanguard of British contemporary art.

Vogue Business

Curated Acquisitions

Join our network of elite collectors and gain early access to fleeting residencies and exclusive releases.