London: It was on Cork Street that London was first introduced to Max Ernst, Paul Klee, Francis Bacon and Joan Miro. But now, according to a report in the Guardian, one of the world's most renowned gallery hubs might, in the very near future, not exist at all. Seven of the 22 galleries will have to vacate the Mayfair location as early as next year, as part of a deal between the landlord, Standard Life Investments, and a buying partnership made up of Native Land, Hotel Properties Limited and Amcorp. The deal, which is worth £90 million, will see the site at 29–30 Burlington Street ( which includes a stretch of Cork Street) turned in to a luxury apartment block. Those galleries forced to move away will include the Mayor, Alpha Gallery, Adam Gallery, Stoppenbach & Delestre, Waterhouse & Dodd, Beaux Arts and Gallery 27. James Mayor, owner of the street's oldest gallery The Mayor, said 'It will be hell. It could be the death of the whole street. It's very sad.' In a desperate act of self-preservation the Society of London Art Dealers has contacted Westminster Council to propose the creation of a protected area for art galleries in Mayfair, although as such a scheme would require up to two years of public consultation it seems unlikely to prevent the Cork Street redevelopment.