Barbara Gladstone, Owner, Gladstone Gallery

In the last few decades, the art industry has become one of the most lucrative and impassioned in the world. In spite of this competition, American dealer Barbara Gladstone has retained a dominant foothold, which many attribute to her strong code of ethics – and exceptional eye for talent. Gladstone opened her first gallery in Manhattan in 1980 when she was a 40-year-old, twice-divorced mother of three. The business has now expanded to Brussels and has showcased artists including Anish Kapoor, Sarah Lucas and Andro Wekua. Gladstone is also a film producer, and has collaborated with American artist Matthew Barney on many occasions.