Sharing the wealth

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In the recent commotion surrounding the d’Offay donation, many have remarked on the character of its source. Anthony d’Offay cut a mysterious figure in the art world in which he rose to eminence over 30 years, scaling its heights amidst flying rumours of his dark and eccentric behaviour.

Rumours of séances at night with gallery staff were fuelled by d’Offay’s reclusive habits and gothic appearance. The Sunday Times’ art critic Waldemar Januszczak described the dealer as “this creepy guy who used to float around without making a sound at the back of the gallery. All those quips about him looking like the living dead were perfectly justified.”

Certainly, his affinity with artwork has not always extended to artists and critics. Januszczak was at one point banned from d’Offay’s art gallery after an unfavourable review of a Gilbert & George exhibition. Shortly afterwards the two artists left the gallery, describing d’Offay as a "fat cunt."

The financial benefits provided for d’Offrey in exchange for the act of donation have also attracted attention, though it seems inevitable that such a altruistic gesture should be sniffed at with slight suspicion.

Born in Sheffield in 1940, Anthony d'Offay is the son of a surgeon and an antiques dealer. He graduated in 1962 from Edinburgh University with a degree a in Art, and opened his London gallery in 1969 on Dering Street.

In the 70s his gallery exhibited Lucian Freud, Gilbert & George and Frank Auerbach and for the next 30 years continued to establish himself as an internationally acclaimed art dealer. He also worked with Andy Warhol and predicted his success.

The Anthony d’Offay Gallery, opened in 1980, rapidly accumulated a wealth of art and, with produced landmark shows of contemporary artists.

In 2001 d’Offay announced he was closing the business. The lease was sold, and the premises are now occupied by the Haunch of Venison gallery. The last exhibition, of Bill Viola, attracted 50,000 visitors and provided significant funding for Rachel Whiteread's Monument in Trafalgar Square.

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