Meet the team

Don Smith

Director

Don has many years experience in the art industry and was previously a shareholder and co-founder of both Whiteground and Eyestorm, two of the world’s largest online art retailers. Don subsequently sold his shares in both companies to set up Opus Art.

Don also has over 10 years experience working in companies at board level including as a managing director in publishing, retail and manufacturing at Getty Images, Wace Corporate Imaging and RR Donnelley’s.

Don has also run galleries in London, Paris, Milan and New York and has extensive art world connections.

Emma Poole

Director

I moved to Newcastle in 1999 to start a degree at Northumbria University. After graduating with a 2:1 in Contemporary Photographic Practice I spent two years managing the websites and online sales for two online art galleries, before launching Opus Art in November 2005 followed by Kounter Kulture in 2009.

I love researching and sourcing prints by the greats for collectors; Andy Warhol, Helmut Newton, Sir Peter Blake, but the best bit is working with young, emerging artists and new graduates like Karl de Vroomen, Kim Baker and Charlotte Bracegirdle - building their careers and watching them develop.

I’m involved in all aspects of the gallery, from finding new artists and agreeing exhibitions to developing relationships with collectors - whether they’re looking to buy as a gift, for investment, or to add to an existing collection I can always find something they like!

Jon Smith

Framing/Dispatch

I have worked at Opus for over two years and look after the framing and dispatch side of the business. I am a fully trained guild quality framer and pride myself in offering the framing solution for your purchase using the highest quality materials available.

I also take care of all of the logistics which includes sending work to customers, working with artists to collect artworks for shows and ensuring everything is packed in the correct way to the highest standard.