Andrew McIntosh Patrick, a colossus in the London art world whose career helped change the face of British art and decorative arts appreciation, died on Friday, December 13. He was 90 years old. He died in Morocco, where he had lived for the last 20 years.
Patrick’s involvement with The Fine Art Society, one of Britain’s oldest art dealerships, goes back to 1954. For nearly half a century, his vision, scholarship, and inexhaustible dedication elevated the gallery to an unparalleled stature as managing director from 1975 until his retirement in 2004. Under his leadership, The Fine Art Society became renowned for its focus on Scottish painting, the Aesthetic Movement, and the Arts and Crafts Movement, reflecting Patrick’s deep and personal passion for British and Scottish art history.
With a rarefied level of quality and originality, Patrick fostered an atmosphere of scholarship and innovation unrivalled by his gallery peers. His curatorial flair was in tune with the collectors, staff, and visitors alike, leaving an indelible mark on The Fine Art Society’s London, Edinburgh, and Glasgow locations. His ability to articulate with crystal clarity a dynamic artistic vision assured the gallery one singularly unique and lasting legacy.
Even in his retirement, Patrick was an integral part of the board at The Fine Art Society until 2004. His support for the gallery and its mission remained resolute, an example of his lifelong dedication to the arts.
A confident eye and forceful leadership in the art world made Andrew McIntosh Patrick a giant among his fellow professionals. Patrick is remembered today as a formidable advocate for the arts, a visionary collector, and a mentor to many generations of art professionals.