Leonard Victor Mitchell
PORTRAIT ARTIST
Leonard considered himself first and foremost a portrait artist and was sought-after in Wellington of the 1950s, working from his gallery on Lambton Quay. Notable sitters included Sir Walter Nash (whose portrait is now held in the National Collection at Te Papa), Dame Ngaio Marsh, Guide Rangi, James Chapman-Taylor, Peter McIntyre, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Bennett (held in the National Collection of War Art, Archives New Zealand), Reverend Kingi Matutaera Ihaka and Eric Ramsden. Leonard’s largest work, the Human Endeavour mural at the Lower Hutt War Memorial Libray features portraits of 50 real sitters.
Self portrait with Pat, in the studio, while painting the Lower Hutt Memorial Library murals, oil on canvas, 100x80cm, 1955. Collection of Te Papa Tongarewa.
The Art Critic, Portrait of Mr. Eric Oakes Ramsden 'ER', oil on board, 100cm x 81cm, signed Leonard Victor Mitchell, 1972.
Cedric Savage, oil on canvas, 96cm x 76cm, signed Leonard Mitchell, 1958.
Guide Rangi of Rotorua, oil on board, 85cm x 63cm, signed Leonard Mitchell, dated 1958 (on reverse).
James Chapman-Taylor, oil on canvas, 102cm x 72cm, signed Leonard Mitchell, 1958. Mitchell Family Collection.
Dame Ngaio Marsh in her Christchurch Home in Cashmere Hills, oil on canvas, 182cm x 137cm, signed Mitchell, 1956. Ryman Healthcare Collection.
Patricia Nickalls with Flute (NZ National Orchestra), oil on canvas, 112cm x 90cm, signed Leonard Mitchell, 1954. Mitchell Family collection.
Dame Laura Knight, oil on canvas, 90cm x 150cm, signed Leonard Victor Mitchell, 1970.
Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Bennett DSO MA, oil on canvas, 101cm x 80cm, signed Leonard Mitchell, 1956. National Collection of War Art, Archives New Zealand.
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Biography
Born in 1925, Leonard grew up in Ngaio. A dedicated artist, by the 1950s he was exhibiting at the NZ Academy of Fine Arts and established as a well sought-after portrait painter.
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War Memorial Library Murals
In 1955 Leonard was commissioned to paint three large murals for the new War Memorial Library in Lower Hutt - the largest murals ever to be commissioned in NZ up to that time.
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Original Artworks
A selection of original artworks by late New Zealand artist Leonard Victor Mitchell (1925-1980). Please check back regularly as we will continue to post available works.
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Limited Edition Prints
A selection of original artworks by late New Zealand artist Leonard Victor Mitchell (1925-1980). Please check back regularly as we will continue to post available works.
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Mitchell & Mitchell
Mitchell & Mitchell: A Father & Son Arts Legacy (2018) and tells the story of Leonard Victor Mitchell and his incredibly talented father, commercial artist Leonard Cornwall Mitchell.
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Khandallah Exhibitions
Leonard was the inspiration for Mitchell Studios gallery in Khandallah and we held dedicated exhibitions of his work, whilst trying to always give him a presence on the gallery walls.