SAN FRANCISCO ART EXCHANGE LLC
Established 1983
Founded in 1983 by Theron Kabrich and Jim Hartley, SAN FRANCISCO ART EXCHANGE LLC (SFAE) has represented historic Pop Culture artworks created by over 200 of the world's most accomplished and important artists and photographers.
Recognized as market pioneers and premier purveyors of iconic imagery, SFAE has featured over 100 major curated exhibitions highlighting music, film, cultural events, and historic figures.
SFAE is known worldwide for record-breaking sales of album cover related and important artwork from Pop Culture and has successfully represented and sold such revered artworks as the originals for:
Pink Floyd: The Wall, Abbey Road, Meet The Beatles, Rubber Soul, Imagine, Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Ummagumma, Animals, Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, The Best of The Doors, Candy-O and many more.
In addition to these music-related artworks, SFAE has also handled the sale for a number of original movie poster artworks including those created for Cool Hand Luke and The Sting, among others.
SFAE's sale of a complete, 7-piece matched set of The Beatles Abbey Road Album Cover Session by Iain Macmillan at $900,000 stands as the highest price ever paid for rock 'n' roll photography.
And, our sale of the original painting for the Pink Floyd: The Wall movie poster (a.k.a. The Scream) by Gerald Scarfe at $1.85 million, stands as the highest price ever paid worldwide in both the rock 'n' roll and movie poster original artwork categories.
While maintaining its leadership role within the world of rock 'n' roll artwork, SFAE is broadly focused on important artwork from all spheres of Popular Culture including film and entertainment, sports, advertising, civil rights, and historical events.
All artworks sold by SFAE are signed by the artist or their estate representative and will be accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Items ship insured all over the world.
For the curious, we have outlined our journey with some key milestones below:
THE EARLY DAYS OF SFAE LLC
1983
Jim Hartley and Theron Kabrich founded SFAE as a fine art business brokering the work of 20th Century masters such as Picasso, Miró, Chagall, Warhol, Haring, Dalí and others. They soon evolved into promoting more contemporary painters, where they began exploring the importance and value of art and imagery that have become part of the popular consciousness. Rockwell, Nagel, Neiman are good examples of familiar artists who became popular through their commercial work and later went on to become collectible in a fine-art gallery format.
In the 1990s momentum encouraged us to double the size of our gallery to 3000 sq feet. We then began to incorporate Music and Hollywood photography to our makeup as a natural progression to expand the scope of the definition of collectible popular iconography.
in the 21st Century we have continued to expand our focus to representing the work of more than 200 photographers, adding important historical figures and events, along with Athletic superstars and more. Today we are recognized as the global leader in the representation and sale of the fine art of Pop Culture.
We think our early art dealing roots put us in a unique position to appreciate and frame a discussion around the artistic merit, historical importance, cultural significance and, hence, the market value for much of the art and imagery of popular culture that has surrounded us for decades.
Read on to see how it happened!
ALBERTO VARGAS OPENS THE DOOR
1985
In 1985, the Alberto Vargas Estate selected SFAE to represent their vast collection of original works by one of Americaʼs most popularly famous artists of all time. Vargas created incredibly beautiful paintings, widely-known as “Vargas Girls” throughout his long career. He painted for The Ziegfeld Follies, all the major Hollywood studios, Esquire Magazine and Playboy, among many others.
We were entrusted to bring this treasured collection of original artworks to market for the very first time, opening the premiere retrospective during the summer of 1985. Since then we have sold more than $25 million of Alberto Vargas artwork, including original paintings, studies, and limited edition prints. We are the acknowledged authorities on Vargas artworks and the #1 dealer worldwide.
RONNIE WOOD JOINS THE PARTY
1987
Due in part to the immediate success of the Vargas collection, and our growing reputation in the genre of Popular Culture, in 1987 the gallery was approached by the management of Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood to become the primary distributor and dealer in North America for his new collection of paintings and limited edition prints. He made the great connection that since we had sold millions in great artwork of beautiful Pin Up illustrations, probably most of those collectors would also be fans of rock 'n' roll!
Ronnie had a passion for drawing and painting since childhood and attended art school at Ealing in London, and was a serious artist, growing increasingly prolific as he began exploring print-making and continually expanding his repertoire across different media. We hosted our first exhibition with him in 1987 and since then we have amassed a huge number of avid collectors worldwide, with sales in excess of $10 million of his artwork alone. While we no longer act has his distributor, SFAE remains the all-time #1 dealer of his artwork, and his longest standing dealer.
Looking back on how it all happened, we now recognize that the selection of SFAE to represent Ronnie Wood literally launched the modern market for the art of rock 'n' roll. Not only with Ronnie’s artwork but it also inspired many friends and associates of his, especially other artists and photographers in the music realm to reconsider their own archives - many of which had sat in dusty drawers and boxes for decades - and take the leap of faith to offer them as fine-artworks for collectors.
THE PHOTOGRAPHY ERA BEGINS
1989
Our first major photography exhibit featured the work of Annie Leibovitz in April 1989. The exhibition featured nearly 50 portraits of celebrities taken for her award winning American Express campaign (1984-1987). Subjects included musicians, actors, models, politicians, and athletes, all personalities captured in Leibowitz's trademark style. The campaign won a 1988 Clio; The Andy Award for the Best Print Campaign of 1988; The Art Directors Club of New York's Gold Award in Magazine Advertising and Advertising Age's award for the best magazine advertisement of 1987.
The exhibition was co-sponsored and co-hosted by American Express and Esquire Magazine. Annie attended the opening and lectured. (Pictured at right is an example of the exhibition display from another location.)
A FOCUS ON ALBUM COVER IMAGERY
1991
We begin to represent the work of legendary Album Cover artist Roger Dean, who is responsible for a huge number of iconic albums from the late 1960s that continues into the 2020s. He best-known for his fantasy inspired landscapes and creature designs that graced the album covers for Yes, Asia, Uriah Heep, Osibisa, and many others.
We hosted a major exhibition in 1992 that received coverege on MTV and an overwhelming response from his fans. Roger had over 700 attendees that night form a line that ran halfway down the city block!
MARILYN MONROE & OTHER FILM ICONS
1993
In 1993 we expanded the offerings of iconic photographs with an exhibition featuring the work of the legendary Bruno of Hollywood (Bruno Bernard 1912-1987). His images and mentorship of Marilyn Monroe when she was just starting as a model paved the way to her first Hollywood contracts. In a heartfelt letter to Bernard, Monroe acknowledged his pivotal role, writing, “Remember Bernie, you started it all.”
THE NEW ERA OF ROCK N ROLL PHOTOGRAPHY
1997
Inspired by the suggestion of London-based photography agent Raj Prem, Theron agrees to coordinate an exclusive multi-media event celebrating the Rolling Stones Rock 'n' Roll Circus in the gallery.
For the event, Theron encouraged Raj to locate photographers who were at the Rock 'n' Roll Circus to produce large format fine art prints to offer for sale. Upon doing so, Raj and Theron opened the door to many more subjects and photographers who until that point had never exhibited or considered offering their work for sale.
SFAE began to incorporate a growing number of photographers including Gered Mankowitz, Robert Freeman, Pattie Boyd and many more, most of which continue to work with us to this day.
RECORD PRICES ON BEATLES PHOTOGRAPHY
2000
In our first exhibition of Beatles photography with Robert Freeman - who captured the imagery that appears on five of their early album covers, among many other things - we began to witness the cultural milestone that established the rock 'n' roll fine art market.
Up to this point, this genre of artwork were typically selling in the $500-$1,500 range. At this exhibition, we achieved the first major sale of a rare original Beatles album cover photograph at the record price of $15,000.
This sale captured the attention of even more artists and photographers, who previously were not interested in making the effort to print and exhibit their work, allowing us to further expand opportunities for collectors.
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
2003 - 2020
2003
ETHAN RUSSELL - REAL MOMENTS WITH EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE
Featuring the work of Ethan Russell, multi-Grammy Award-nominated photographer, author, and director. Ethan is the only photographer to create album covers for The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who - among others.
2004
THE ART OF THE ALBUM COVER
Curated with London agent Raj Prem, this exhibition included 130 original photographs and paintings that were used as album covers. There had never been a more comprehensive selection of images offered by any gallery or institution.
2005
PATTIE BOYD - THROUGH THE EYES OF A MUSE
SFAE hosted Pattie Boyd's first ever solo photography exhibition, opening on Valentine's Day 2005. The event received global accolades and generated thousands of news stories.
JIMI HENDRIX - CAN YOU SEE ME? A LIFE THROUGH THE LENS
Featuring the work of twenty photographers who knew and worked with Jimi, participated in the event and attended the opening reception. Several traveled from the UK and Europe, and others came to San Francisco from all over the US to reunite and remember this great icon of rock 'n' roll.
It was the first time many of these photographers had met, and they all bonded over their shared experiences.
2006
PATTIE BOYD - SHARED MEMORIES
This exhibition features dozens of photographs by Pattie Boyd and includes many never before seen.
PAUL MCCARTNEY - EACH ONE BELIEVING
An exhibition of over forty photographs chronicling Paul McCartney's Each One Believing tour taken by photographer Bill Bernstein. Each photograph will be hand-signed by both McCartney and Bernstein.
BILL WYMAN - WYMAN SHOOTS
The world debut photography exhibit of legendary Rolling Stones Bassist Bill Wyman.
WIDE ASLEEP - THE ALBUM ART OF STORM THORGERSON
Featuring an extensive, curated collection of Storm's work from both Hipgnosis and StormStudios.
2007
TERRY O'NEILL - KINGS AND QUEENS, PORTRAITS OF ENTERTAINMENT NOBILITY
In a career dating back to the 1960s, portrait photographer Terry O'Neill has captured such luminary rock n' roll icons as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, as well as such Hollywood idols as Sean Connery, Audrey Hepburn, Frank Sinatra, and of course, his former wife, Faye Dunaway. He has even photographed the British Royal Family and the family of the British Prime Minister numerous times.
'67, '68, '69 - YEARS THAT MOLDED A GENERATION
From the bookends of 1967's fabled Summer of Love to the tragedy at Altamont in December 1969, the joys and disappointments of a decade that caused a sea change in American and ultimately global culture were condensed into an epic three years, and nowhere was it more intense than in San Francisco.
MICK ROCK - ROCK & ROLL EYE
Featuring dozens of iconic photographs of Seventies and Eighties musicians and celebrities.
2008
ETHAN RUSSELL - THE ROLLING STONES 1969 TOUR - LET IT BLEED
An exhibition of behind-the-scenes photographs from one of the most legendary Rolling Stones tours of all time.
STORM THORGERSON - MIND OVER MATTER: THE IMAGES OF PINK FLOYD
An exhibition of photographs celebrating the album cover art of Pink Floyd in their 40th year as a band.
DOMINIQUE TARLE & MICHAEL COOPER - THE ROLLING STONES, BEGGARS TO EXILES
An exhibition of rare images of The Rolling Stones from 1966-1971 that capture some of the most dynamic and creatively productive years of this legendary group.
2009
MARILYN MONROE & JAMES DEAN: FOREVER YOUNG
This historic collection included rare photographs of Marilyn from The Last Sitting as well as two nude images that famously appeared in the 1953 debut issue of Playboy Magazine. The photographs of James Dean were from his final movie, Giant, taken shortly before his tragic death. Monroe and Dean both enjoyed meteoric career ascents, both died tragically at young ages, and both are surrounded by a star-quality aura that continues to grow with every passing year.
TERRY O'NEILL - FRANK SINATRA & ELTON JOHN: CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND KNIGHT OF THE REALM
A celebration of O’Neill’s forty years chronicling the careers of these contrasting musical legends, this extraordinary and striking installation juxtaposes twenty photographs of an effortlessly polished Frank Sinatra against twenty of a colorful & dynamic Elton John.
2010
ROSA SAT, MARTIN WALKED, BARAK RAN
Featuring over 60 historical images depicting the lives of Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr., and President Barack Obama, celebrating African-American leaders who have changed the world through their courage, commitment and passionate pursuit of justice.
BEATLES TO BOWIE
From British invasion to glams and punks, showcasing the revolution of the 60s and early 70s. Over 50 photographs were featured, capturing the most iconic images from 1962-1974, along with photos from archives that have never been seen or printed.
LOVERS OF COVERS
Featuring more than 60 works of art by Storm Thorgerson, including rare unseen pieces. Clips from the feature film documentary, Eye Of The Storm: A Film About Storm Thorgerson, by director Roddy Bogawa will also be shown at the reception and throughout the exhibition. A special Q&A was held featuring Storm Thorgerson and his partner at Hipgnosis, Aubrey Powell.
2011
JIM MARSHALL - POCKET CASH
The first exhibition following Jim Marshall's death in 2010, this special selection of photographs by Jim Marshall celebrates the life of music legend Johnny Cash. The book and new estate limited-edition releases were the last project finalized by Marshall before his death.
LYNN GOLDSMITH - CLOSE AND PERSONAL
PAUL BERRIFF - THE BEATLES HIDDEN GALLERY
We organized this exciting exhibition of never-before-seen photographs of the Beatles taken between 1963 and 1964, in collaboration with The Beatles Story Museum in Liverpool.
2012
JIM MARSHALL - THE ROLLING STONES 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Focusing on Jim's shots taken while on assignment for LIFE in 1972. Demonstrating his trademark "All Access" style, he captured the Stones both in the studio, while they put the finishing touches on their landmark double album Exile on Main Street, as well as onstage, with incredible performance shots during the West Coast leg of their blockbuster US Tour that summer.
2013
GRACE SLICK - ONCE UPON A TIME
Featuring a wide selection of original paintings and drawings, along with many limited-edition prints --one in particular that will be premiered at our show. It is called Airplane and it depicts the original Jefferson Airplane line-up on the Golden Gate Bridge. This is Grace's salute to our great city!
JIM MARSHALL, JOEL BRODSKY, BARRY FEINSTEIN - ICON MAKERS: THREE MASTERS OF THE ALBUM COVER
Celebrating the "Art of the Album Cover" with the work of three great photographers who each produced the imagery that appeared on hundreds of record sleeves, some of which are still among the most iconic images of the genre.
GRAHAM NASH - THIS COULD BE YOU
This exhibition offers fans a rare opportunity to experience Nash's transcendent photography and artwork. His photography spans decades and extends well beyond rock 'n' roll, and his visual aesthetic is lush and multidimensional. His artwork incorporates numerous techniques and styles, many of them a natural evolution from his experimentation with photography. Two of his most recent paintings will debut at this exhibition.
2014
DUFFY - DAVID BOWIE FIVE SESSIONS
Our exhibition prominently features large-scale examples of many of the famous photographs Bowie & Duffy produced, along with contact sheets and other behind-the-scenes images that provide a glimpse into the ingenuity that these two artists applied to the creative process.
2015
IMAGINE PEACE - THE ART OF JOHN LENNON
In honor of John Lennon's 75th birthday celebration, we hosted this special exhibition of over 60 pieces of Lennon's artwork.
2016
SHEPARD FAIREY X JIM MARSHALL - AMERICAN CIVICS
This exhibit includes a wide array of work by both artists, and features five images by the legendary Jim Marshall stunningly interpreted by Shepard Fairey.
2017
GERALD SCARFE PAINTS THE WALL!
The first-ever exhibition of the world renowned original artworks by Gerald Scarfe, created during the multi-year process of designing the Pink Floyd The Wall album cover, live concert props and stage vignettes, and film.
This was one of the most important exhibitions of original art of rock 'n' roll ever to be presented to the public due to the overall fame and massive scope of these projects.
