about us
In 1982 the re-development of Richmond Street between Queens Avenue and Oxford Street was well underway. Vacant commercial properties and the impressive but tired turn of the century homes surrounding London’s historic Victoria Park were being renovated into unique office spaces, single and multiple family residences, specialty shops and eateries of all stripes. Richmond Row was rapidly becoming a destination for food, fashion, antiques, boutiques and the arts.
Howard and his wife Susan thought that the time was right and the location ideal, to establish a contemporary gallery dedicated to the art of the Inuit and North American First Nations people. Stocking the gallery included collaborating with The Innuit Gallery of Eskimo Art in Toronto and several days of viewing and selecting exceptional Inuit works. Our love of the exquisite pottery, jewellery and basketry of the First Nations artists in the American southwest took us to New Mexico in July, 1983. We were able to purchase wonderful pottery from the San Ildefonso and Acoma Pueblos, as well as handcrafted jewellery and Hopi Kachina figures carved from ancient Cottonwood trees. In late July signage was installed and on August 1, 1983 we opened the doors of The Innuit Gallery.
In 1985 the London Regional Art Gallery discontinued their role of presenting the annual Cape Dorset Print Show and Sale. Lucky for us the Dorset Fine Arts granted our gallery the rights to host this renowned event. The Innuit Gallery has hosted this exceptional show for the past 24 years and is honoured to be a key participant in the historic 50th anniversary celebration in October 2009.
Our first five years passed quickly. In addition to the annual Cape Dorset Show the Innuit Gallery mounted many exhibitions of exceptional artists including:
- Angus Trudeau (1907 – 1984) “I Paint What I Know”.
- Bernard George’s dynamic clay figures “Ojibway Spirit Dancers”
- “Robert Markle at the Innuit”. Vivid and sensual abstract paintings of nudes.
- David General (Six Nations, Brantford) “In Seclusion”. Bears, Eagles and Spirit Figures sculpted in Cararra Marble.
- “Bear Elegance – The Polar Bear Captured in Stone”.
In 1988 the decision was made to leave Richmond Row. Several factors were involved in the decision; however the key factor was the availability of a space that provided the Innuit Gallery with visibility twenty-four hours a day. A great art gallery requires great visibility and the dramatic location that forms the southwest corner of 201 Queens Ave., houses sixty-five feet of twelve foot high windows and was the perfect showcase for the art that the Innuit Gallery had built its reputation on. We are still located here, twenty-one years later.
In 1993 Janet and Ann became full partners of The Innuit Gallery. After 16 years as a team we remain committed to providing the very best Inuit sculpture and prints, First Nations art, handcrafted jewellery and unique giftware. We continually work to ensure that the personal service provided to our clients by The Innuit Gallery is second to none.
Sincerely,
Howard Isaacs · Janet Evans · Ann Jenkins
