Leicester Galleries
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Art gallery |
| Founded | July 1902 |
| Founder | Cecil Phillips, Wilfred Phillips |
| Defunct | 1977 |
| Fate | Operations ceased; name later acquired by Peter Nahum in 1984 |
| Headquarters | London , England |
Area served | United Kingdom, international artists |
Leicester Galleries was an art gallery based in London that operated from 1902 until 1977, presenting works by modern British, French, and international artists. In 1984, the gallery's name was purchased by Peter Nahum, who now manages "Peter Nahum at the Leicester Galleries" located in Mayfair.
History
The gallery was founded in July 1902 by Cecil and Wilfred Phillips in Leicester Square. A year later, Ernest Brown became a partner, creating Ernest Brown and Phillips Ltd, the company behind Leicester Galleries. The venue displayed pieces by contemporary British and French painters such as John Lavery, Robert Medley, Mark Gertler, and Henry Moore. Its exhibitions included drawings, watercolours, paintings, prints, and sculptures, with more than 1,400 shows each accompanied by a printed catalogue.
The yearly "Artists of Fame and Promise" exhibition showcased promising emerging artists including William Roberts, Christopher Nevinson, David Bomberg, and Jacob Epstein. Leicester Galleries also organized the inaugural solo exhibitions in the UK for renowned artists like Henri Matisse, Picasso, Camille Pissarro, and Suzanne Eisendieck. Additionally, it significantly contributed to the recognition of illustrators such as Arthur Rackham and Edmund Dulac.
Throughout its existence, Leicester Galleries moved locations several times—from its original site in Leicester Square to South Audley Street and subsequently to Cork Street in Mayfair. The gallery's last exhibition took place in July 1975, although it continued operating until 1977.
In 1984, Peter Nahum acquired the rights to the Leicester Galleries name and established "Peter Nahum at the Leicester Galleries" in Mayfair.
Exhibitions
- A comprehensive index of 1,422 catalogues documenting exhibitions of European Modern Art and 20th Century British Art held at Leicester Galleries from 1902 through 1977, published by Ernest Brown & Phillips Ltd.
Gallery
Examples of artworks that were displayed at the galleries: