Allura- Making a statement with original art

If the name Laura Swale rings a bell, then you may have come across her articles on contemporary art in the Times of Malta or attended one of the events or exhibitions hosted by her award-winning company Allura. However, since arriving in Malta in 2016, British-born Laura is perhaps best-known for talent-scouting leading local artists and spotlighting their work.

Art was always going to be Laura’s path in life. Her parents met at art school and her mother’s company ‘Inside Art’ created murals and specialist paint effects for hotels, showrooms and stately homes. Following in her footsteps, Laura studied art at Bath Spa University, starting out as a gallerist, then embarking on a 15 year art teaching career in UK and international schools.

While maintaining her own art practice, Laura moved on into arts journalism and event planning, founding Allura, a platform for showcasing artistic practice, and winning several awards for creative innovation in the process.

During this time Laura was becoming aware that although people appreciated original art, they often did not know how or where to buy it, which artists were worth investing in or how much they should pay. At the same time gifted artists were not reaching their market. To match collectors with artists, the Allura team set about building an online marketplace for original art by contemporary painters. In December 2020 it launched Allura Art.

We needed an extra special bespoke design for a very large space in a luxury apartment at Portomaso Laguna. We liked the work of Allura so it was an obvious choice – perit Ray DeMicoli

“Finding great art should be a pleasure, not a chore” says Laura. “Because Allura takes care of pre-selection and quality assurance, buyers know that when they visit the Allura Art website, they are choosing from talented and reputable painters. Several of our artists are already household names and their paintings are becoming collectibles.”

Unlike a traditional gallery, Allura Art sells at studio prices direct from the artist, and pricing is clearly displayed. Although sale prices vary widely from piece to piece, the collection does include many affordable pieces from as little as €200. Like most e-commerce websites, shipping is built-in and payment is secure.

New artwork and artists are regularly announced through a mailing list which can be joined through the website.

Whereas the Allura Art collection is effectively an ‘off-the-shelf ’ solution for architects and interior designers to source artwork for clients, Allura is also an advisory and design service. Not only does it commission and source externally, in-house it takes on design briefs and provides creative interior art solutions. These often incorporate natural or artificial back-lighting, which illuminates coloured glass or translucent canvas.

Laura explains that artwork should ideally be incorporated at the design stage of a project. “Good designers understand the value of original art. It’s authentic and exclusive – the ultimate in elegance and good taste. Unlike a factory print, original art makes a statement about quality, which reflects on the designer, and in turn the owner. A carefully chosen piece can add personality to the decor or provide a focal point to elevate the aesthetic. Considering it early on can substantially enhance an interior.”

Whether residential or commercial, Allura can source, commission or design individual pieces or curate a selection tailored to an interior design scheme. Allura welcomes professional relationships with architects and designers as well as contact from other interested parties.