In 1986, Leona Lattimer, a wife and mother of three sons, founded the Lattimer Gallery. It was a defining moment for both Leona and for the Vancouver art scene.
Leona brought First Nations works into her gallery at a time when selling Aboriginal art was still in its infancy in the city. After working for 15 years as a gift shop manager for the Vancouver Museum, Leona had forged strong bonds with several Northwest Coast Native artists.
"I just had an innate eye for art," says the retired gallery owner, who sold the gallery to her grandson Peter Lattimer (pictured above) in 2001. "In the early years I just flew by the seat of my pants and trusted my instincts for choosing art that I felt would sell."
In the early years , Lattimer Gallery exhibited works from legendary First Nations artists such as Bill Reid, Robert Davidson and Larry Rosso, who were still relatively unknown back in the late 80s. For Leona, these talented artists soon became lifelong good friends.
The gallery was also instrumental in promoting the works of young emerging First Nations artists such as Beau Dick. Leona explains that Beau was a third-generation carver taught by both his father and grandfather. Beau went on to hone his skills under renowned artists Henry Hunt and Doug Cranmer. Internationally renowned, Beau's works include masks, bowls, rattles, drums, original paintings, and limited-edition prints. "He designed the gallery's Hands of Friendship logo in 1986," adds Peter.
