President Wally Findlay Galleries International, Inc. (Deceased) – Chicago, Illinois
Wally Findlay, a third generation art dealer, is often referred to as the “Merchant Prince of Art.” Mr. Findlay’s approach to the art business is a rare combination of his grandfather’s visionary and idealistic philosophy and his father’s business acumen. To these qualities he adds his own enormous energy, resilience and great personal charisma. From his earliest days in the art business, Wally Findlay’s philosophy – so like his grandfather’s – has been that art is an important element of daily living and should be available to and enjoyed by a broad cross section of the public. With his capacity for being an exceptionally successful businessman (there are five Wally Findlay Galleries), he has remained a very caring man interested in the welfare of others. Wally Findlay’s important international stature in the world of art was firmly established when the French Government awarded him the “Legion of Merit,” for his great accomplishments in 1979. “The broadening of public appreciation and the utilization of art is a marvelous example of how our free enterprise system works.”
