Wynick/Tuck Gallery facts for kids

The Wynick/Tuck Gallery is a special place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It's a private art gallery that shows and sells modern art. Lynne Wynick and David Tuck own and run it.

The gallery started way back in 1968. It was first called Aggregation Gallery. Over 45 years, it held more than 500 art shows! In 2012, the gallery changed how it worked. It now focuses on selling art privately and helping people find out how much their art is worth. Since 2016, you can visit the gallery by making an appointment. They also sometimes have open house events for everyone to enjoy.

Amazing Artists and Their Art

The Wynick/Tuck Gallery has shown art by many important artists over the years. Some of these artists include Monica Tap, Lawrence Weiner, Janice Gurney, Dyan Marie, William Kurelek, Doris McCarthy, Gerald Ferguson, and Greg Curnoe.

Even today, the gallery still works with artist Ted Rettig. They also look after the art collections of two famous artists who have passed away: Doris McCarthy and Greg Curnoe. On their website, you can find many artworks for sale by artists they have shown before. These include David Bierk, John Hall, Mary Pratt, and Michael Snow. The gallery also has art from its early days as Aggregation Gallery. This includes works by George Hawken, Norval Morrisseau, and Joshim Kakegamic.

A Journey Through Time: Gallery History

How It All Began: Aggregation Gallery

The Wynick/Tuck Gallery began its journey in 1968. It was first known as Aggregation Gallery. Four art students and artists started it together. Soon, John McDonald and Roman Kowal left. This left Lynne Wynick and David Tuck in charge.

Back then, not many galleries showed only modern Canadian artists. Aggregation Gallery might have been the first in a downtown warehouse. They also ran a framing business to help pay for their space. The gallery supported young artists and held many exhibitions. They moved to two bigger spaces over 14 years. Wynick and Tuck first wanted to be artists themselves. But they decided to focus completely on the gallery.

In 1972, Aggregation Gallery moved to 82 Front Street East. This was a large warehouse near the St. Lawrence Market. David Tuck helped protect historic buildings in the St. Lawrence neighbourhood. He worked on committees to stop them from being torn down.

Moving to a New Art Hub: 80 Spadina

In the early 1980s, David Tuck, Lynne Wynick, and another art dealer, Olga Korper, had an idea. They decided to move their galleries to the King and Spadina area. This area used to be for clothing factories. But many factories were leaving.

In October 1982, Tuck and Wynick opened their new gallery at 80 Spadina Avenue. They called it Wynick/Tuck Gallery. Their first big show featured Canadian painter John Hall. A newspaper critic from The Globe and Mail praised the new 6000-square-foot space. By the end of the 1980s, the King and Spadina area became a lively art community. Many old factory buildings became offices, galleries, and fashion shops.

Starting in the mid-1980s, Wynick/Tuck Gallery took part in big international art fairs. They went to Art Cologne in 1986 and Art Chicago six times. People there really liked the quality of Canadian artists' work.

Besides shows for single artists, Wynick and Tuck also created themed exhibitions. These shows combined art from many different artists. One of their ongoing programs was called "Informal Ideas." They showed art by both experienced artists and new, young artists. This created a mix of exciting artistic ideas. Lynne Wynick organized many popular exhibitions. She brought together artists like Lawrence Weiner, Gerald Ferguson, Greg Curnoe, and Mandario Merz. This helped create new ways to show artists in a gallery that sells art.

A New Home: 401 Richmond

In 2001, Wynick/Tuck Gallery moved again. Their new home was a large old industrial building at 401 Richmond Street West. Margie Zeidler, who cared about the community, was developing this building. It was similar to how 80 Spadina was developed.

Wynick and Tuck made their new space at 401 Richmond special. It combined the best parts of their old galleries. It had a large main area and smaller rooms for a closer look at the art. It was also on the ground floor. At 401 Richmond, Wynick/Tuck Gallery continued its art show program. You can still find a record of these shows on their website. The gallery also helped with the Casey House Art Auction for 13 years in a row. They also supported a fundraiser for the University of Toronto's new public gallery in Scarborough.

A New Chapter: Restructuring

In 2012, Wynick and Tuck announced a big change. They decided to close their large public gallery space. They wanted to focus on selling art privately and helping people get art appraisals. The gallery still operates from a smaller space at 401 Richmond. They continue to represent a few artists. They also resell works from many artists they have shown before. Much of this art is listed on their website.

Helping the Art Community

Lynne Wynick and David Tuck have both been very involved in the art world. David Tuck served on the board of the Art Dealers Association of Canada from 1973 to 1996. This group helped create important government rules for visual arts and artists. He was also part of a committee at the Art Gallery of Ontario.

Lynne Wynick was on the Canadian Cultural Property and Review Board for five years. This was a time when the Cultural Property Act became widely used. She worked closely with artists to make sure any changes helped the art community. Wynick also served on the board of The Power Plant Art Gallery. She helped the gallery stay connected to the community while becoming known around the world.