The John Leech Collection, Auction 27 February Fri, 08 Feb 2013
Next week we mail out the first catalogue in a series of auctions for 2013 - The John Leech Collection, an auction comprising of some 200 entries from the stock room of New Zealand's oldest dealer gallery. A rich and diverse offering spanning some 200 plus years of New Zealand art including some very early lithography and engravings by Merrett, Angus, J Alphonse, Pellion, Le Breton, Lottin, Tardieu, De Sainson & others - the sale is sure to be of interest to those with a special interest in heritage, maori art by European painters and those with a taste for New Zealand history. But it is not confined to just this genre with numerous pieces by Contemporary New Zealand artists also on offer, Rick Killeen, Michael Smither, Gordon Walters, Colin McCahon, Jeffrey Harris, Robert Ellis, Dick Frizzell & Allen Maddox to name a few. The eclectic mix will be on view at International Art Centre from Friday 22 February. Several school groups have made appointments to view Thursday 21 February as the offering is quite unique and well worth a look - if you have a group you would like to show please call us +64 9 379-4010 for appointment prior to general viewing.
Viewing times at International Art Centre:
- Friday 22 February
9:00am - 5:00pm - Sunday 24 February
11:00am - 4:00pm - Monday 25 February
9:00am - 5:30pm - Tuesday 26 February
9:00am - 5:30pm - Wednesday 27 February
9:00am - 1:00pm
The opening of John Leech Gallery in 1855 was heralded by the following announcement in Auckland's Southern Cross newspaper:
John Leech respectfully announces to the inhabitants of Auckland, that he has commenced business in High Street, opposite the Wesleyan Chapel as carver, gilder, picture framer and looking glass manufacturer. Having had considerable experience in the above-named branches, he is quite confident of giving the most perfect satisfaction to those who might favour him with an order.
John Leech had emigrated to Auckland from Manchester via Sydney. In 1866 he moved his business to Shortland Street, then considered to be the finest of locations. It was here that artists such as Charles Goldie, Gustavus von Tempsky, Alfred Sharpe and J.B.C. Hoyte met and displayed their work. John Leech Gallery operated from these premises until 1963.
Following its founder's death in 1879, the venture continued to flourish under the management of John's son Harold. It was during his lifetime that the honour of using a royal crest was granted. Harold Leech died in 1945 and the following year Allan Swinton, Gilbert Meadows and Howard Newcomb purchased the gallery.
Allan Swinton gained sole ownership in 1959. In 1963 the gallery moved to Lorne Street where Swinton created a specialist framing division and exhibition gallery. Under Allan Swinton's committed management the firm prospered. Another move, this time to Albert Street took place in 1973. The original building was demolished to make way for Lorne Towers.
In 1974 Allan Swinton sold his gallery to a collector of maps and three years later it was purchased by Bev and Murray Gow and Bill Hart. In 1980 Murray Gow purchased the Dunham Gallery, Remuera re-naming it John Leech Gallery, Remuera. The city branch of John Leech Gallery operated until 1986 when the building was purchased by Chase Corporation. The gallery relocated to expanded Remuera premises.
In 2002, under the highly successful partnership of John Gow and Gary Langsford, John Leech Gallery returned to Auckland City and its well-known Kitchener Street location, directly opposite Auckland Art Gallery. Over a decade later, having served as the venue for many of this country's most important exhibitions, John Leech Gallery has been renamed Gow Langsford Gallery, and now occupies two central Auckland sites.
A Director's decision to re brand and focus on International and Contemporary New Zealand art, affords a unique opportunity to acquire works from the collection of Auckland's historic John Leech Gallery.
