FOUNDER OF ART'S TOP TALENT AGENCY MARINE TANGUY OPENS THE DOORS OF HER PICTURE-PERFECT TOWNHOUSE IN LONDON'S MARYLEBONE

I fell in love with this house as soon as I saw it," French-born art entrepreneur Marine Tanguy says of her Georgian home in London's fashionable Marylebone.

- ESTEFANIA ASENJO

Of course, Marine is used to trusting her visual instincts. And although she and her family moved into their elegant townhouse only four years ago, she's no stranger to the capital. She first arrived aged 21, when, after studying art history at Warwick, she worked running the Outsiders Gallery in Soho.

But it was in Los Angeles that she found the inspiration for her own innovative project, MTArt Agency. During a spell living there, she saw how much Hollywood actors counted on their agents. A similar system was needed for artists, she decided, and set about creating it. The result has been hailed as a breath of fresh air, especially thanks to her credo that art is for everyone, which sees MT balance purpose with profit.

Now, as chief executive of a buoyant | international business as well as mum to two young children - Atlas, four, and Vivaldi, one Marine has her hands more than full. Luckily, her gorgeous home makes the perfect base for all her passions, as she tells us here.

Marine, tell us about the house...

"It dates from 1745 and was designed by Robert Adam, a leading figure in the renaissance of classical architecture in 18thcentury England. I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it."

What were your plans when you made it your home?

"I aimed to make it into a haven for my family, friends and artists. Every week, an artist comes to stay downstairs and it's a joy to see this house so alive. [US-born artist] David Popa came for a drink when I had just given birth to my second child and he was explaining his art to my firstborn, whose eyes were overflowing with excitement. It's a dream come true that all the parts of my life can cohabit in this house."

Tell us about the decoration...

"I wanted it to feel warmer, so I opted for shades of deep blue and cream mixed with reds throughout, and brass and gold for the furniture."