Leicester Galleries

Leicester Galleries was a prominent commercial art gallery in London, operating from 1902 until its closure in 1977. Founded by brothers Ernest Brown and Phillip Brown, it became a vital institution for introducing modern British and European art to the public. The gallery was renowned for its eclectic exhibitions, championing both established masters and emerging talents across painting, sculpture, and printmaking.

History

The gallery was established at 1a Leicester Square, a location that placed it at the heart of London's cultural life, near institutions like the National Gallery and the Royal Academy of Arts. Under the directorship of the Brown brothers, it quickly gained a reputation for its adventurous programming, often acting as a crucial bridge between continental European modernism and the British art scene. Throughout its history, it navigated significant events such as World War I and World War II, maintaining a consistent presence and adapting to changing artistic climates. The gallery's longevity and influence made it a cornerstone of the West End art market for much of the 20th century.

Notable exhibitions

Leicester Galleries hosted a wide array of landmark exhibitions that shaped public taste. It was instrumental in organizing early UK shows for major European artists, including a significant 1919 exhibition of works by Amedeo Modigliani. The gallery also mounted important solo shows for British modernists such as Walter Sickert, a key figure in the Camden Town Group, and Paul Nash, an official war artist during World War II. It regularly featured sculpture, with notable exhibitions dedicated to Jacob Epstein and Henri Gaudier-Brzeska, and was a primary venue for the London Group. The gallery's "Pictures for Schools" exhibitions and its annual "Modern British Drawings" shows were particularly influential in promoting contemporary art to new audiences.

Artists represented

The gallery's roster was exceptionally diverse, encompassing several generations and movements. It represented pivotal British artists like Augustus John, Dame Laura Knight, and Stanley Spencer, whose visionary works were frequently exhibited. Leicester Galleries also showed sculptures by Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore early in their careers, linking them to the international movement of modern sculpture. European modernists featured included Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, and Kees van Dongen, while it also promoted illustrators and printmakers such as Clare Leighton and Eric Ravilious. The gallery maintained strong connections with artists from the St Ives school, including Ben Nicholson and Alfred Wallis.

Closure and legacy

Leicester Galleries closed its doors in 1977, a victim of shifting art market dynamics and economic pressures. Its closure marked the end of an era for the traditional West End gallery model that had nurtured artist-dealer relationships for decades. The gallery's extensive archive, including exhibition catalogues and correspondence, is held at the University of Leicester, providing a valuable resource for scholars. Its legacy endures through the many artists it launched and the role it played in shaping the collections of major institutions like the Tate Gallery and the British Museum. The gallery's history is a testament to the crucial role of commercial galleries in the ecosystem of 20th-century British art.

Directors and staff

The founding directors, Ernest Brown and Phillip Brown, provided visionary leadership until their deaths. Management later passed to Ernest's son, Oliver Brown, who guided the gallery through the post-war period. Key staff included the influential manager William Marchant, who played a significant role in curatorial decisions and artist relations. The gallery's success was also built on the expertise of its long-serving staff, who cultivated relationships with collectors, critics from publications like The Times, and institutions such as the Arts Council of Great Britain.

Category:Art galleries established in 1902 Category:Art galleries disestablished in 1977 Category:Art galleries in London Category:1902 establishments in the United Kingdom Category:1977 disestablishments in the United Kingdom