LONDON.- “On behalf of all here at Waddington Custot Galleries, I want to express how extremely saddened we are by the death of the gallery’s founder Leslie Waddington. Leslie was known for his knowledge, fiery character and integrity. We send our thoughts and sincere condolences to Leslie’s family at this time.

Leslie was a true pioneer. He introduced the work of the Colour Field and Post War American artists to London and solidified the reputation of British painters such as Peter Blake, Patrick Caulfield, Terry Frost and Patrick Heron.

A legendary figure in the art world, Leslie exhibited and dealt work by many of the greatest artists of the 20th century, from Picasso, Matisse, Baselitz, Morandi, Flanagan, Arp to Laurens, Leger, Miró, Tápies and Dubuffet.

I feel extremely privileged to have known Leslie for 25 years and to have worked alongside him as his partner in the gallery for the past five. He was a constant source of inspiration and we shall all greatly miss him.”

Leslie Waddington has been Chairman of Waddington Custot Galleries since 1966 (formerly Waddington Galleries). Stephane Custot became his business partner in 2010.

Leslie Waddington was educated at Portora Royal School and received his Diplôme from the Ecole du Louvre in Paris, France. He was Chairman of the Modern Painting section of Maastricht Art Fair from 1994 to 2004 and Chairman of the Picture Section from 1996 to 2000.