The Cass Art family have been actively involved in the art world and supporting artists for over 100 years. It is the tradition of creative entrepreneurship and the close relationships built with many famous artists over the years that has made Cass Art what it is today. It inspired our mission to help “Fill this town with artists”, making art available to the widest possible audience. This shows in everything we do, from our support of art education to our price guarantee. This is an insight into the journey that made us who we are today. Illustrations by Nina Cosford.
Journey with us and trace the Cass Family history as we recount their support for artists, through showcasing and commissioning their work, fighting for art education and making the best quality art materials available to everyone at affordable prices.
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
Paul and Bruno Cass(irer) were pivotal figures in the early 20th century art world, whose Gallery (Die Berliner Kunstsalon) in Berlin was largely responsible for bringing French impressionism to Europe. Renowned artists such as Van Gogh, Degas, Monet and Cezanne were just a few of the artists whose work they introduced to Berlin.
In April 1905, Paul Cassirer hosted a show of Vincent Van Gogh’s work. Until this point, there had been little interest in the artist, and within a few years, he had created a booming market. Cassirer bought nine Van Gogh artworks, which included the ‘Sunflowers’, which he bought for the sum of £110 (2,200 marks).
The Cass(irer) family left Germany in 1935 to relocate in the UK. The family history of working with avant-garde artists inspired the two brothers, Wilfred and Eric Cassirer, to build private art collections alongside their wives over the next 40 years.
Mark Cass was first introduced to art materials when he was just 12 years old, and first visited the Reeves paint factory in Enfield, and from then on, it seems pigment was in his blood. Mark got a taste for art retail in the early 80’s, when he was the Managing Director of the largest Graphics & Craft retailer in the UK, Craftsmith.
Cass Art was founded by Mark in 1984 when he took over the lease of 13 Charing Cross Road. Situated next to The National Gallery, it has been an art store for over 100 years, first opening its doors to artists in 1898. Many famous artists have visited over the years, including Lawrence of Arabia, Winston Churchill and Claude Monet.
In 2001 Mark returned to London from New York, where he was working at Getty Images (the world’s largest image stock library) as Global Brand Manager for the two main rights protected brands, Stone and Image Bank. Mark visited hundreds of art stores around the world and saw an opportunity to revolutionise the art supply business and make it accessible for all.
1901
Paul Cassirer holds one of Europe’s first exhibitions of Van Gogh’s work in Berlin. Paul buys nine Van Gogh artworks, which include the “Sunflowers” for just £110!
1904
Paul and Bruno Cassirer actively support the Berlin secession.
1938
Bruno Cassirer opens his art publishing house in Oxford. Bruno’s original publishing house in Berlin is one of the first to produce fully illustrated artist’s books.
1971
Wilfred Cass, great nephew of Bruno becomes CEO of Reeves, the paint manufacturer. Reeves has been providing artists with quality paint since 1766.
1979
Mark Cass and his father Wilfred set up Image Bank and work with internationally renowned photographers to create the world’s largest image library.
1984
Mark Cass sets up the first Cass Art shop at 13 Charing Cross Road in London. Set in the perfect location next to the National Gallery, there has been an art shop here for over 100 years. Claude Monet was one of the many famous visitors.
1992
Wilfred and Jeannette Cass establish the Cass Sculpture Foundation, a British charity supporting contemporary sculptures. The Foundation has commissioned over 450 large scale sculptures over last 25 years.
1994
The Cass Sculpture Foundation enables the first three commissions on the 4th plinth in Trafalgar Square investing in unique public platforms for artists. Cass Art supports the Mayor of London's 4th plinth school’s competition each year.
1992
THE CASS SCULPTURE FOUNDATION
The Cass Sculpture Foundation is a British charity founded in 1992 by Wilfred and Jeannette Cass. Their mission was to provide support for artists to achieve new levels of ambition. The result, a pioneering, not-for-profit organisation that inspires, enables and presents the output of some of the most important figures in contemporary sculpture.
The Foundation's 26-acre grounds, located in the beautiful surrounds of Goodwood in Sussex, were home to an ever-changing display of 80 monumental sculptures, all of which were available for sale.
Over almost three decades, the Foundation commissioned over 400 monumental sculptures, placing works within museums around the world, from Sir Anthony Caro and The Tower of Discovery in MOMA to the first major solo show for Tony Cragg on Exhibition Road in 2012 and the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square.
Following many successful years’ the foundation closed in 2020. The Cass Sculpture Foundation’s legacy endures as a testament to the power of private initiative in public cultural development—an innovative model of arts philanthropy that continues to inspire. Wilfred Cass CBE FRSA continued to be a staunch supporter of the arts, until his death on 18th April 2022.
In May 2025, the Goodwood Art Foundation opened, taking over the same Surrey location, with the aim of continuing to champion and encourage contemporary art & artists.
2001
Cass Art works with Angus Hyland at Pentagram on a new Brand Identity. The new identity is focused around an inclusive manifesto and mission.
The Cass Sculpture Foundation holds a unique collection of maquettes to exhibit. “Thinking Big” at the Peggy Guggenheim in Venice - it was the first exhibition of this kind outside the UK.
2006
The London flagship store opens in Islington and now has a dedicated Art Space for the public and employees to use for free.
The Cass family support art education. From supporting the National Saturday Club to scholarships at the RCA. Plus, prizes at Central Saint Martins & The Slade School of Fine Art.
2019
Cass Art opens an experience pop-up store in Selfridges Flagship store on London's Oxford St as part of their 'State of the Arts' campaign.
2022
Delivering on our mission, Cass Art launches a new website in 2022, serving creatives all over the country.
2023
Cass Art collaborates with Pentagram Design & Bags of Ethics, featuring the humble tote bag. The series, Bags of Art & Design, is exhibited at the 2023 London Design Festival.
Now in it's 2nd year, The Cass Art Prize 2025, presented by The Cass Group, aims to champion contemporary art from across the UK & Ireland.
Satirical artist 'WOTW' (W*ankers of the World) is the winner of The Cass Art Prize 2025, receiving a £10,000 cash prize and a free stand at The Other Art Fair in spring 2026. His installation 'Who Do You Support?' was selected by our prestigious panel of judges and announced at a sparkling Prize-Giving Ceremony on 23rd October, as we celebrated the achievements of all the selected artists. See our full list of prize winners below including The Art Educators Award and The Students Award.
Cass Art is always looking for new ways to support creatives across the country and will continue to support the creative industries and fuse new, lifelong partnerships with local communities, artists and organisations.
Whether you’re 3 or 103, they want everyone to engage with art, no matter their age. Cass Art will look to ensure all ages have accessibility to the best materials and advice.
