Peter McLeavey: The Life and Times of a New Zealand Art Dealer

by Jill Trevelyan

From Montana award-winning author Jill Trevelyan comes the first biography of Peter McLeavey, the charismatic, pioneering art dealer who since the 1950s has shaped—even transformed—New Zealand art. McLeavey’s personal story is remarkable but in it, his contemporaries will recognise common themes: the religious upbringing; the struggle to be bohemian in a repressive, midcentury small town; the quiet agonies of marriage and children, the need to make a mark. Through exclusive access to McLeavey’s extensive and hitherto untapped archive of letters, diaries, exhibition files and more, this book offers insights into the artists McLeavey has represented across half a century. Here, in their own words—lively, salty, and often heartbreaking—are Colin McCahon, Toss Woollaston, Len Lye, Milan Mrkusich, Michael Smither, Gordon Walters, Michael Illingworth, Don Driver, Robin White, John Reynolds, Yvonne Todd, and many, many more. Far more than a simple biography, this is the big story of contemporary New Zealand art itself, in a period of massive change and growth, and Trevelyan offers an utterly fresh and compelling historical account of the birth of the modern art market and the status of art today. A must-read for anyone interested in New Zealand’s art, culture or recent history.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Biography, Art History

496 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2013

Reviews

[Matthew Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this immensely. Wonderful personal history of half a century of New Zealand art. Strongest parts are the bits on McCahon and Wollaston; later chapters tend to skips through taking on and dropping artists a little too quickly. Maybe there were just do many of them. Love the sense that McLeavey was a kind of visual editor for 'his' artists. Can't help wondering if there's a side to him that was only touched on; that assurance and self-belief - did it ever stray into arrogance? Probably by some suggestions but they're not explored in any depth. But still a great read.

Note that the subtitle above is incorrect - it should be 'The life and times of a New Zealand art dealer'.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well worth the read even if the author chose to interview Gascoigne (Sir David) and not Ratmer (Mr Peter)

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vale, neighbour.

[Bayley Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

A biography and a lovely review of contemporary New Zealand art history. Though big, easy to read and enjoyable.