Collector Helen Sunderland-Cohen Discusses Her Three Collections and London Art Highlights
Helen Sunderland-Cohen, a lawyer based in London, oversees three distinct collections: the Sunderland Collection, which features rare maps and was initiated by her father, Neil; Ex Carta, a collection of fictional maps launched in 2024; and her own contemporary art collection. Among her artworks are pieces by Yinka Shonibare, Nick Goss, and Prunella Clough. The Sunderland Collection underwent digitization in 2021, while Ex Carta is currently on display at Zurich Central Library until December 5 and at the Warburg Institute from October 21 to April 17, 2027. She prioritizes quality and understanding before buying art. Upcoming shows include Richard Dadd at the Royal Academy and Ana Mendieta at Tate Modern. She encourages newcomers to savor the river and take their time.
Key facts
- Helen Sunderland-Cohen is a London-based lawyer who oversees three collections: the Sunderland Collection, Ex Carta, and a personal contemporary art collection.
- The Sunderland Collection of rare historical maps, atlases, and globes was originated by her father, Neil.
- Ex Carta, founded in 2024, focuses on fictional maps and literary or worldbuilding cartography, ideally first editions.
- Her personal collection includes works by Nick Goss, Prunella Clough, and Yinka Shonibare.
- In 2021, the entire Sunderland Collection became available digitally on Oculi Mundi.
- Ex Carta works are on view at the Zurich Central Library in 'Fantastical Maps from Legendary Stories' until 5 December, and at the Warburg Institute's 'Night Maps' in London from 21 October to 17 April 2027.
- The first serious work she bought was a 1970s self-portrait photograph by feminist artist Alexis Hunter.
- Her most recent purchase was a watercolour from the Bird Hunter Series by Pakistani artist Ali Kazim.
Entities
Artists
- Helen Sunderland-Cohen
- Neil Sunderland
- Nick Goss
- Prunella Clough
- Yinka Shonibare
- Ali Kazim
- Alexis Hunter
- Richard Dadd
- Henry Moore
- Ana Mendieta
- Beth Greenacre
- Bettina Prentice
Institutions
- Oculi Mundi
- Zurich Central Library
- Warburg Institute
- Cristea Roberts Gallery
- Goldsmiths Centre for Contemporary Art
- City & Guilds of London Art School
- Royal Academy of Arts
- Kew Gardens
- Tate Modern
- Frieze London
- Jikoni
- Claro London
- Restaurant St. Barts
- Cloth Fair
- Doppo
- Wiltons
- Pink Floyd
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Zurich
- Switzerland
- King's Cross