Who is Sam Taylor-Johnson’s ex husband Jay Jopling?

THANKS to the huge age gap between them, Aaron and Sam Taylor-Johnson's romance has often been a hot topic of conversation.

But before she met future James Bond star Aaron, Sam was married to art dealer Jay Jopling.

Who is Jay Jopling?

Born in June 1963, Jeremy Michael "Jay" Jopling is an English art dealer and gallerist.

He is the son of Michael Jopling, Baron Jopling, a Conservative politician who served for some time as Minister for Agriculture under Margaret Thatcher.

Jay was brought up in Yorkshire and educated at Eton and the University of Edinburgh, where he studied English literature and history of art.

Before finding success in the art world, his first job was selling fire extinguishers door-to-door.

In May 1993, Jay opened the original White Cube art gallery on the first floor of 44 Duke Street, St James, in the West End.

Its exhibition policy was to provide a one-off showcase for both British and international talent.

Over the years White Cube has exhibited some of the leading contemporary artists, including Lucian Freud, Gilbert & George, and Antony Gormley.

Jay is also the uncle of Caspar Jopling, who is married to Ellie Goulding.

In 2021, Caspar started work at his uncle's White Cube gallery.

When did Jay Jopling and Sam Taylor-Johnson get marry?

Jay married Sam Taylor-Wood, who was an artist at the time, in 1997.

The couple were well known on the London and New York social scene, and were married for 11 years.

During their relationship they welcomed two daughters.

Angelica was born on April 24, 1997, and is the founder of London-based gallery Incubator.

Their second daughter Jessie Jopling was born in November 2005.

When did Jay Jopling and Sam Taylor-Johnson get divorced?

Jay and Sam split not long after she embarked on her directorial debut, Nowhere Boy, which starred her future second husband Aaron Johnson.

They announced their divorce in September 2008, with their rep saying: "Jay Jopling and Sam Taylor-Wood are saddened to announce that, after 11 years of marriage, they have agreed amicably to separate.

"No other parties are involved.

"For the sake of their two daughters, who are their number one priority, they have asked that their privacy be respected."

Who is Jay Jopling with now?

Jay continues to own and run his White Cube galleries.

Following the success of the London venue, he has opened more in Paris, Florida and Hong Kong.

Jay is now married to second wife Hikari Yokoyama, and they welcomed daughter Djuna Mei in 2019.

His ex wife Sam also remarried not long after they divorced.

She changed her surname to Taylor-Johnson after marrying second husband Aaron Taylor-Johnson in 2012.

Together they have two daughters, Wylda Rae and Romy Hero. 

Wylda was born on July 7, 2010, with Romy arriving on January 18, 2012.

Actor Aaron, who was born on June 13, 1990, is just seven years older than step-daughter Angelica.

In March 2023, it was revealed that Aaron was reportedly set to sign the contract to become the new James Bond.