For the second launch of our collaborative products celebrating our 15th anniversary, we visited long-time customer and friend, Elliot McDonald, Senior Vice President at Pace Gallery. Those familiar with Elliot—whether through his work in the art world or as a frequent shopper at Trunk—know his impeccable taste and eye for detail. He was the perfect person to help us showcase this next chapter of the collection.
During our visit, we sat down with Elliot to discuss his journey at Pace Gallery, how he first discovered Trunk, and what draws him back to the brand. We also talked about the role personal style plays in his work and meetings, his thoughts on the outfit we curated for him, and the significance of longevity—both for Trunk’s 15th anniversary and Pace Gallery’s 65th—in shaping creative and professional decisions, before touching on what Pace Gallery will be presenting at Frieze in London this month.
Trunk's 15th Anniversary: Elliot McDonald of Pace Gallery
For those who might not know you, can you tell us a bit about your role at Pace Gallery and how you came to be in your current position?
I first joined Pace in 2010 and was part of the team that opened our Burlington Gardens space in 2012. I took on running the London gallery in 2017 and later oversaw our move to Hanover Square. My role touches a lot of areas, from shaping exhibitions and working closely with artists to connecting with collectors and building the gallery’s presence in Europe. It’s a job that constantly evolves, which is what I love about it: No two days ever feel the same.
How did you discover Trunk initially, and what do you enjoy most that keeps you returning?
I’ve got a long history with the street. Back when the Chiltern Firehouse was still an old fire station, I organised a Paul Fryer exhibition there. Living in Primrose Hill, it’s just a walk through the park, so when Trunk opened it immediately felt like a natural fit. It’s one of those places that just gets it.
Do the clothes you wear affect the way you approach your work or day-to-day meetings?
Honestly, the clothes I buy at Trunk fit so well that I don’t really have to think about what I’m wearing, which is ideal. It lets me get on with my day and focus on the work itself, which is exactly how I like it.
Looking at the outfit we put together for you from Trunk, what stands out to you most? Is there a particular piece that really feels like “you” or that you’d wear often?
I loved the jacket and the bag. Both feel really easy and versatile. They’re the kind of pieces I know I’ll keep reaching for, and I’d happily wear them straight through to summer.
Both Trunk and Pace are celebrating milestones this year — 15 and 65 years respectively. What does longevity mean for a contemporary gallery, and how does it shape your decisions on exhibitions and artists?
Great question -with that kind of history, you’re able to build relationships with artists and collectors on solid ground. You don’t come in needing to prove anything, but once the relationship begins, you have to prove everything. Longevity comes from trust, paying close attention to every detail, understanding what matters to each artist and collector, and advising them in a way that supports their long-term growth and success. It’s about playing the long game, not chasing the moment.
Finally, Pace Gallery is exhibiting at Frieze London this month, can you tell us a little more about what you're presenting?
We’re excited to be presenting a solo booth of new work by British painter William Monk at Frieze London this year. The presentation features an entirely new body of paintings and works on paper, created over the past year following Monk’s travels to Corsica and Mallorca. The presentation also ties in nicely with the release of his first major monograph, which came out with Phaidon earlier this year.
Thank you, Elliot!
5 Hanover Square, London W1S 1HQ | pacegallery.com
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