Hertfordshire art galleries, picture framing, art restoration Letchworth

Hertfordshire Art Galleries, Fine Art Dealers, Local Creative Picture Framers, Picture Cleaning, Restoration & Art Valuation Services Letchworth Garden City.

 Reflecting on 40 Years of Artistic Evolution

In the heart of Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire, the ICAS Vilas Art Gallery has been a beacon of artistic excellence since its inception on August 16, 1984. Over nearly four decades, this cultural institution has witnessed significant changes in art and culture. 

1984-1989: The Foundation Years The early years of ICAS Vilas Art Gallery were marked by a focus on local and emerging artists. It served as a platform for nurturing talent within Letchworth Garden City and the surrounding areas. During this time, the gallery hosted numerous exhibitions and community events that laid the foundation for our institution’s role as a cultural hub.

1990-1994: Expanding Horizons The 1990s brought a broader perspective to the gallery. We started featuring nationally recognized artists, introducing diversity in styles and mediums. This period saw the first significant renovation of our facilities, improving exhibition spaces and accessibility.

1995-1999: Embracing Technology The turn of the century witnessed technology integration into our gallery experience. We launched our website, enabling art enthusiasts worldwide to explore our exhibitions online. Virtual tours and digital art exhibitions became a part of our offerings.

2000-2010: A Confluence of Tradition and Technology The dawn of the new millennium ushered in an era of technological advancement in art presentation and services.

A Holistic Art Experience: We’ve always believed in providing a holistic experience. Our creative picture framing services have evolved into an art form, offering innovative and personalized ways to showcase artworks. Whether it’s an old family collection, an ancestral oil painting or a modern abstract creation, our framing services enhance the visual impact, ensuring each piece becomes a focal point of admiration.

Reviving Artistic Brilliance: Image cleaning and restoration have been integral to our services, breathing new life into ageing artworks. Our skilled team is committed to meticulously restoring each piece to its original quality. This process goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about preserving the artist’s intent and the cultural history of these artworks.

2010-2014: Nurturing Innovation The gallery dedicated this period to nurturing innovation within the art world. We established a program for emerging artists, fostering experimentation and creativity.

2015-2019: Digital Transformation The rapid advancements in digital art and media necessitated a digital transformation. ICAS Vilas expanded its digital art collection and established a dedicated space for immersive digital experiences. Virtual reality art exhibitions became a new frontier.

2020-2024: Adapting to Challenges The last five years were marked by adapting to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. We continued to engage with our audience through virtual exhibitions and online workshops, ensuring that art remained a source of solace and inspiration during difficult times.

2025-2039: The Road Ahead We now look ahead to an exciting period in the next ten years. ICAS Vilas Art Gallery envisions a future that embraces innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability. 

At ICAS Vilas Art Gallery, we are committed to evolving with the times while preserving our core values of promoting artistic expression and enriching our community. Through these five-year reviews and action plans, we aim to continue our journey of creative excellence and community engagement for many more decades. Thank you for being a part of our remarkable journey so far, and we look forward to sharing the future of art with you.

Throughout three generations, the VILAS family business has flourished in four continents: India, New Zealand, Africa, and the United Kingdom.

At the forefront of this remarkable journey is our esteemed grandfather, Mr Vallabhbhai Vilas, an enterprising businessman who embarked on a voyage from Gujarat, India, during the early 1900s. He aimed to explore and forge commercial opportunities in New Zealand and Great Britain, setting the stage for a legacy that would transcend borders and generations.

In the dynamic era of the 1950s, our father, Mr Prabhubhai Vallabhbhai Vilas, embarked on a bold venture that took him from India to settle in Northern Rhodesia, Africa. With a keen eye for new prospects and opportunities, he laid the foundation for a new chapter in our family’s legacy. In 1956, he established the renowned Photo Art Centre (Zambia) Limited, specializing in the vibrant field of photography. Under his astute leadership, the business thrived, and in the 1970s, he further expanded its reach by securing exclusive agency rights for reputable Japanese brands Fuji and Ricoh.
The year 1978 witnessed a significant milestone in our family’s entrepreneurial journey. We diversified our business into the realm of art. We became the authorized distributor of Winsor & Newton and Reeves artists’ materials for Zambia, thus cementing our presence within the art sector.
Fast-forward to August 16th, 1984, a memorable date in our hearts. It marked the inauguration of ICAS—Vilas Fine Art UK, a culmination of shared aspirations and dedication. Our father, Mr Prabhubhai V. Vilas, and his three sons, Sunil, Bipin, and Dev Vilas, joined forces to establish this esteemed venture. Together, we embarked on a collective mission to nurture artistic talent, promote cultural expression, and create a space where the beauty of fine art could be cherished.
Our family’s entrepreneurial spirit has shaped our journey from humble beginnings in India to bold expansion across continents. We stand proudly at the helm of ICAS – Vilas Fine Art UK, which is committed to offering an enriching artistic experience that transcends boundaries and captivates the senses.

For more info on SUNIL VILAS

With a steadfast commitment to the growth and development of our art gallery and associated services, the next generation of the VILAS family business is ready to forge new opportunities and expand its horizons. Our expertise encompasses a wide range of creative solutions, including innovative picture framing, meticulous picture cleaning, precise art restoration, and comprehensive fine art services. Our ultimate goal is to facilitate our esteemed clients’ discovery, appreciation, and immersive experience of art.

For over 39 years, we have proudly served clients in Hertfordshire and across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, London, and other areas throughout the United Kingdom. Our enduring presence in the industry is a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional service and fostering long-term relationships.
We understand that acquiring your first artwork is a significant milestone, and we are honoured to guide you through this transformative experience. With our extensive knowledge and wealth of experience, ICAS – Vilas Fine Art Gallery is fully equipped to cater to all your artistic requirements. We take great pride in our established reputation as a reputable art gallery, solidifying our position as trusted advisors and purveyors of art within the regions mentioned above and beyond.
Embark on this enriching journey with us, and let our lifelong relationship begin as we navigate the vibrant art world together.

Our Customers reviews

We promote and showcase the work of John W. Mills, Doug Kemp, Alan M. Hunt, Katya Gridneva, Oleksii Gnievyshev, Norik Dilanchyan, Teresa Wells, Laura Cramer, Darren Baker, Gordon King,  Richard Bolton, David Flower, Mark Clark, Anne Farrall Doyle, Richard Devonshire, Regina Noakes, Hilary Simms; Lisa Wendt; Promilla Luthra Shaw;  Rob Ford,  Carol Ann Davies,  Jeff Childs, Paul Priest and Gaynor Ostinelli.

We welcome inquiries for special commissions.

For any private or corporate commission by our gallery artists, please contact Sunil Vilas. Call us

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”Dancing is creating a sculpture visible only for a moment.”

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