Spring Catalogue 2012: Celebrating 25 Years

Gow Langsford Gallery was established by John Gow and Gary Langsford in a converted gas station in the Auckland suburb of Grey Lynn in 1987. The premises added new meaning to the expression that it was started on the smell of an oily rag. Although not entirely humble beginnings (oysters were served at the grand opening) the gallery reportedly almost didn’t get off the ground. Just weeks after the opening the share market crashed; a turbulent event that would, years on, prove to be just one of many art market hurdles to overcome. Yet more than 400 exhibitions, seven gallery spaces, twenty-odd art fairs, a seemingly innumerable number of artists and staff, a few weddings and one funeral later - this year Gow Langsford is celebrating a landmark twenty five years.

The Gallery has been more than a vocation for both Directors who are passionate advocates for the visual arts and committed to the development of the careers of the artists they represent. Through their dedication they have fostered the growth of contemporary art in New Zealand and enabled the careers of many of this country’s most notable artists. They have actively sought to introduce local audiences to international art. Together they have hosted one-man shows by Pablo Picasso (1998), Damien Hirst (2010), Bernar Venet (2006 and 2012), Donald Judd (2002) and Tony Cragg (2005 and 2011).

They have enjoyed success placing works in major collections both in public institutions and private homes, locally and internationally.

The Spring Catalogue Exhibition has been a hallmark of the Gow Langsford Gallery calendar since 1996. The exhibition is made up of a collection of investment artworks ranging from historical to contemporary works and is accompanied by a full colour publication. This 25th Anniversary edition of the Spring Catalogue includes twenty five sales highlights along with an overview of an extraordinary exhibition history.

For an online version of the catalogue, see here.