Ruth Artmonsky, Gallerist and Author of 36 Art Books, Dies at 94
Ruth Artmonsky, founder of Saville & Holdsworth (SHL), passed away at the age of 94. Born in Blackpool alongside her twin sister Naomi, she studied economics and social work at Birmingham University. Prior to establishing SHL in 1977, Artmonsky gained experience working in social services, including at Wandsworth prison and the National Institute of Industrial Psychology. After selling her ownership in SHL in 1997, she shifted her focus to the arts, authoring 36 books on various subjects, including “Designing Women” and “Modern Design in 1930s Britain.” She is survived by her daughters Becky and Stella, granddaughter Sally, and her sister Naomi.
Key facts
- Ruth Artmonsky died aged 94.
- She co-founded Saville & Holdsworth (SHL) in 1977.
- SHL started in her living room and became a global corporation with offices in 30 countries.
- She sold her share in SHL in 1997.
- She ran Artmonsky Arts gallery in St John's Wood, London, for five years.
- She wrote 36 books on art, design, and advertising.
- Her books include Designing Women (2012) and Modern Design in 1930s Britain (2026).
- She was born in Blackpool with twin sister Naomi.
Entities
Artists
- Ruth Artmonsky
- Roger Holdsworth
- Peter Saville
- Norman Lancashire
- Naomi Artmonsky
- Becky Artmonsky
- Stella Artmonsky
- Sally Artmonsky
- Samuel Rudmanski
- Marie Cohen
Institutions
- Saville & Holdsworth
- SHL
- Artmonsky Arts
- National Institute of Industrial Psychology
- NIIP
- Birkbeck University of London
- Greater London Council
- Birmingham University
- Wandsworth prison
Locations
- Covent Garden
- London
- United Kingdom
- St John's Wood
- Blackpool
- Birmingham
- Wandsworth