Founded by Paul Hedge and Paul Maslin over 30 years ago, Hales opened in 1992 as a contemporary art space in Deptford, South London. In 2004 the gallery moved to the Tea Building, a dynamic and creative hub in London's East End on the border of Shoreditch and the business district. In February 2016 Hales opened a by-appointment office and viewing room in New York's Lower East side district, which as of September 2017 became the 'Hales Project Room', a space dedicated to hosting focused exhibitions that highlight specific artist projects and dialogues. In October 2018, Hales opened a primary New York location in Chelsea, Manhattan - continuing the gallery's meaningful commitment to North America. Complementing the gallery's presence in London, Hales New York is committed to offering its international roster of artists a greater platform to showcase their work, as well as welcoming new figures to the programme.
Since its formation, Hales has formed an important environment for the development and distribution of artworks and ideas. At the core of the gallery's principles is the fostering of emerging talents alongside historically significant figures. The gallery prides itself on consistently and attentively supporting its artist's careers, as well as its work to stimulate important re-evaluations of the careers of 20th and 21st century artists. Hales also represents a number of renowned estates including Carolee Schneemann, John Hoyland and Anwar Jalal Shemza - continuing to build their legacy.
Hales regularly places its artists' works in the collections of the world's most significant private and public collections and works closely with respected curators in doing this. Some examples of the museum collections which have acquired works by Hales artists include Tate, London; Victoria & Albert Museum, London; The Whitney Museum of American Art, NY; Museum of Modern Art, NY; The Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY; and the Brooklyn Museum, NY.
