Few people know the Spanish art scene better than María Porto. Recently named one of El Español and Magas's Top 100 Women Leaders, she was previously one of the youngest directors ever to take the helm of Madrid's historic Marlborough Gallery.
"Although I started right at the bottom, on reception, that was actually where I learnt the ropes," she says. "Having worked my way through almost every department, the opportunity to run the gallery finally came."
© FERNANDA & PALOMAIt was a remarkable milestone. "By the age of 34, I'd already spent 12 years at Marlborough. It was an incredible time and it opened so many doors for me, but I knew I didn't want to start and end my career at the same company. I felt the need to take the next step and build something of my own, so I decided to take a leap of faith."
A few years ago, it seemed as though she was stepping back from the art world. In reality, María had simply chosen to operate behind the scenes. Now, having returned with renewed energy, she is running an art gallery in Madrid with her partner, David Bardía, a collector and fellow gallerist who also boasts a prestigious background in antiques.
Shared passions
© FERNANDA & PALOMAMaría and David met through a mutual friend just after the Covid-19 pandemic, when she was hunting for a work by Joan Miró on behalf of a friend – a piece that David happened to have.
"We closed the deal and stayed in touch. Everything developed slowly and naturally, almost without us realising, until we both realised that there was more to it than just work," María says. "David is incredibly professional, which I respected from the start. When you're both passionate about what you do, working together is easy. We also respect each other’s boundaries. We know where the other's strengths lie, and that's what makes us a good team."
Together, they are the perfect pairing. "She has an extraordinary eye for spotting an artist and capturing the true essence of a piece," David says. "I'm perhaps more analytical and methodical. We balance each other out, and that shows in both the gallery and our day-to-day lives."
© FERNANDA & PALOMANow, they are opening the doors to their spectacular home on the outskirts of Madrid – a sanctuary with views of El Escorial, a Spanish royal site, in the distance. "We love the peace here, the sheer sense of calm," they say. "Designing the interiors was a natural extension of our work as gallerists. Piece by piece, we filled it with art, which is our passion and our way of life."
Because for the couple, this is much more than just a place to live. "It's a space where we can truly switch off from the daily hustle and bustle and just enjoy being surrounded by nature."
María, when did you decide that art would be your life's work?
© FERNANDA & PALOMA"I've always been passionate about art. From a very young age, my father (Juan Antonio Porto, one of Spain's most prominent screenwriters) immersed us in it, teaching us to look at the world with curiosity and sensitivity. However, it was during the year I worked with the Marlborough Gallery at the Arco art fair that I knew for certain I wanted to be a gallerist.
"I think it's one of the most beautiful professions in the world because it enables you to experience art from so many different angles. For me, being a gallerist is a journey of constant learning."
What led you and David to open your own gallery in Madrid, and how did your art space inside Spain's flagship luxury department store, El Corte Inglés, inspire this new path?
© FERNANDA & PALOMA"David and I initially crossed paths in the secondary market. We started collaborating because he had such a solid track record in that sector, whereas I brought a deeper knowledge of the primary market.
"Gradually, the idea of joining forces took shape. We saw an opportunity to build on what he had already established by bringing in a more gallery-focused vision.
"Over time, I took over that side of the business, which led to a much more structured partnership. At the time, I was already running an art space inside El Corte Inglés, and I realised that my real passion was to democratise art – to bring it closer to the public."
Have you tried to pass on this love of art to your son, Diego?
© FERNANDA & PALOMA"Diego is incredibly cultured. I'm certain that, to a large extent, the life he's lived has shaped him. I couldn't be prouder of the man he's become. He's someone of real integrity, with strong values and a wonderful sensitivity.
"He hasn't had it easy. Raising a child alone and carrying all that responsibility is no mean feat. Of course, there were sacrifices along the way, and things we had to miss out on, but Diego has turned out to be a truly exceptional human being."
There was a time when the art world thought you had stepped away from your career. Who is María Porto today, and how has your outlook changed in this second chapter?
© FERNANDA & PALOMA"In truth, I never stopped working. I focused more on the secondary market, which is much more discreet and less in the public eye, but I never left– first, because I couldn't live without it, and second, because I needed to earn a living.
"Deep down, María Porto is still that same girl from 1992 who dreamt of running a gallery. My enthusiasm is just as strong as it was then, only now it's backed by years of experience."
How did you cope during the times when your personal life overshadowed your career?
© FERNANDA & PALOMA"I've learnt that if you’re resilient and keep working hard, time has a way of putting things in perspective.
'It has also shown me that, even now, the path can still be more challenging for a woman than for a man – that's just a reality of the journey.
"But above all, I've learnt that if you work at your dreams day by day, without giving up or losing your drive, they will always win out in the end."
'I want to leave behind a living, nurtured legacy'
What are your plans for the near future?
© FERNANDA & PALOMA"For me, continuing to work as a team is how we build the future. I dream of opening new spaces, crossing borders, bringing our project to new places and watching it grow.
"Years from now, I still want to be at the forefront of the gallery scene, discovering new perspectives and supporting artists who started out young and are establishing themselves.
"Most of all, I want to leave behind a living, nurtured legacy, so that when we are no longer here, others can carry the torch with that same passion, dedication and love for art."
David, how long have you lived in this house?
© FERNANDA & PALOMA"We've lived here for several years. I actually built it from scratch before I met María; it was a personal project and a challenge I'd always dreamt of tackling, and now I get to share it with her.
"Designing the interiors felt like a natural extension of our work as gallerists. We chose every single piece with the same care we'd use to curate an exhibition, looking for harmony, dialogue and emotion.
"The mix of materials, neutral tones and warm textures enabled us to create a serene atmosphere where the art in each room really takes centre stage."
What is it like to share both your personal and professional lives?
"Living and working together has been a brilliant learning curve. We share the same aesthetic vision, but we bring different perspectives to the table, which enriches our work and keeps the creative spark alive.
"On a personal level, María is my wife, my partner in crime and my muse. Professionally, she's the best partner I could ask for. This house – our shared space – is a true reflection of that connection: a blend of two ways of understanding art, love and life."
How would you define who you are today, and how has your passion for art shaped your life?
© FERNANDA & PALOMA"Today, I'd define myself as someone who is hardworking, methodical, professional, approachable and consistent – someone who lives life with both heart and perspective.
"Art has shaped every chapter of my life. It's never been just a job – it's my way of understanding the world."
