Founded by David Messum in 1963, Messum's covers fine art form 1750 right up to the present day. The gallery is probably best known for its influential reappraisal in the 1980s of British Impressionism.

Messum's also represents several contemporary artists and hosts regular solo shows of their work as well as group exhibitions. There are generally around 10 exhibitions a year and each one lasts around a month.