Ian Abell

Co-Founder of Based Upon

Based Upon is a London studio employing over 30 artists and designers under the direction of the company’s founders, twin brothers, Ian and Richard Abell. 

Over 15 years’ since its inception in 2004 Based Upon has gained a reputation as a professional, highly-sought-after artist with an intuitive eye for depth, beauty and meaning. 

The studio creates its own work and undertakes a large number of commissions, specialising in creating site-specific works that capture the essence of the project they are a part of. 

It’s work spans Fine Art and Design and has crossed over into creating new pianos, jewellery and the development of new architectural materials. 

Narrative and Documentary are important within the artist’s practice. Process and back story are often honoured with bespoke books and films, Based Upon’s latest book won the best book in the art and architecture category at the British Book Design Awards. 

The studio is often chosen to create important commemorative works to mark landmark moments in a company’s history. The studio has created such works for brands including Rolls Royce, Tiffany & Co and HSBC. Its private clients are some of the most well-known names in film, sports, business and politics. 

Based Upon’s work is on public show in London, New York and Hong Kong and in important private collections in USA, India, Saudi Arabia and Russia. 

The studio is considered pioneering within the British creative industry as it openly acknowledges its collaborative approach between its team rather than positioning the work as the work of its founders, the Abell brothers. It also self-represents within the market without a gallery and has been invited to show frequently among the world’s leading galleries at London’s Masterpiece Fair and other international shows. 

“Guided by nature, we journey deep into landscape to witness it at its most simple and profound, unearthing the patterns observable at the largest and smallest scales of the known universe. 

Our approach to commissioned work is an attempt to go beyond commodification, to touch the kind of value measurable by the heart. By helping our patrons tell their stories and communicate their most precious values we can in turn create works which endure. 

Our commissioned works move into the realm of the priceless because they have such significance to those who commission them. In an increasingly digital world these physical works, which honour the past and the future, represent true legacy.” - Ian Abell