Our History

While working as an engineer at Canadian Liquid Air, Walter Klinkhoff begins selling art from the second floor of the family duplex on Van Horne Avenue in Montreal.

"A.Y. Jackson was living in Manotick near Ottawa,  where I visited him at least once every month", wrote Walter Klinkhoff.   "I had not had as much contact with him before in Toronto but after he left to live near his niece, he encouraged me to visit him frequently."

Walter Klinkhoff makes several visits to Borduas's studio in Paris bewteen 1955 and 1960.  

"In Paris, Broduas was living in his studio where he had a mattress on the floor in the corner", recalled Klinkhoff.  "He painted, at the time, enormous black and white abstractions and occasionally some of more manageable dimensions, which I bought.  Obviously hard up for money, Borduas never tried to sell and did not like to part with any of his work.   The last picture I bought was a 20" x 24" canvas.  A Montreal architect borrowed it.   He had been a good customer, but of late, having already too many pictures, he usually brought back what he took.  The price was $375, and the day after he took it the papers reported the sudden death of the artist.   This time I did not get the picture back..."

Walter and Gertrude Klinkhoff open a storefront art gallery on Union Avenue, between Sherbrooke Street and de Maisonneuve Blvd. in Montreal.

"[E.P Taylor] asked me to come to his office which was the board room of Dominion Tar & Chemical and he received me most cordially....  My instructions were given explicitly:  Remove all the portraits of previous chairmen and replace them with good Canadian landscapes.  Nothing too expensive, though, and send the invoices to Windfield Farms in Toronto.   This great man having so much confidence almost left me speechless.  I asked if Mr. Taylor would not wish to see the paintings first but the answer was 'No, I know everything about horses and nothing about paintings.  You know about paintings.'  I muttered something about references I could give.  To this he said:  'Don't bother I know all about you, otherwise you would not be here.'"  - Walter Klinkhoff

William Watson was Montreal's - and perhaps Canada's - most distinguished art dealer.  After his retirement Watson sells "superb" paintings from his personal collection to Walter Klinkhoff, and refers to Klinkhoff many clients who continued contacting him for advice.

Walter Klinkhoff Gallery starts selling paintings for artist John Little, who had previously been represented by the venerable art dealer, William Watson, who was now retiring.  Walter Klinkhoff Gallery would be one of only two galleries to represent Little after Watson's gallery closed, and the Klinkhoff family would continue to represent Little until the artist retires in 2015.

The new location, at corner of Sherbrooke and Drummond streets, is at the centre of Montreal's prestigious Square Mile.  This would be the gallery's location for over 50 years.

South side, Sherbrooke Street, between Stanley and Drummond, Montreal, QC, 1955-60,  image © McCord Museum

October 3- 18, 1962

Galerie Walter Klinkhoff hosts a sale of paintings for the estate of Randolph Hewton, which also functions as a retrospective.  The accompanying catalogue is the first by Walter Klinkhoff Gallery and features an introduction by Group of Seven founding artist and Hewton's friend, A.Y. Jackson. 

October 2, 1962

The three Group of Seven artists join Walter Klinkhoff at his gallery for the opening of the exhibition honouring their late friend and colleague, Randolph Hewton. 

Image below, from left to right: Walter Klinkhoff, Arthur Lismer, Edwin Holgate, A.Y. Jackson.

Walter Klinkhoff works with Clarence Gagnon's widow, Lucile Rodier, selling for the estate of the legendary artist.  Klinkhoff is entrusted to certify works by Gagnon using an official estate label and is given a Clarence Gagnon estate stamp, which can be applied to the works of art.

From April 20 to May 2, 1964 at Walter Klinkhoff Gallery.
It is the first exhibition of one of the Beaver Hall women artists, an exhibition for which Nora Collyer wrote to Walter Klinkhoff: “This is just to thank you for having the exhibition of my paintings, and to acknowledge the cheque for $683…”

At A.Y. Jackson’s request, Walter Klinkhoff pursuades friend and fellow Alpine Club of Canada member Colonel Pat Baird to bring the artist on his 1965 expedition to Baffin Island.  “This proved easier to accomplish than I had anticipated”, Klinkhoff recalled.  Jackson's niece, Geneva, accompanies them.  Baird, a McGill geographer with a particular interest in the arctic, later marries Geneva Jackson.

While on a school trip to Ottawa, Alan Klinkhoff visits Group of Seven founding artist A.Y. Jackson. After a lengthy tour of his home and studio, Alan pays Dr. Jackson $450 in return for three paintings, which he brings back to Walter Klinkhoff Gallery on the school bus.

In recognition of Walter Klinkhoff’s intervention on his behalf with Col. Baird,  Dr. A.Y. Jackson shows the paintings resulting from the 1965 Arctic trip at Galerie Walter Klinkhoff.  

"I agreed with enthusiasm, of course", recalled Klinkhoff.  "A.Y. hesitated, though, saying, 'Walter, with nothing for sale this would be an expensive venture for you.'  I explained that the publicity and prestige from the sale would amply repay me for the expense.... But A.Y. was not a person to accept a favour without doing an even greater one in return.  He insisted on painting ten small canvases especially for me from the Baffin Island sketches, and letting me by them at the price he had set at the time which was $300."

The visit, however, does not go to plan.  Lawren Harris was ill and although Bess Harris had offered to sell two paintings to Klinkhoff, she changed her mind and Klinkhoff returned to Montreal empty handed. 

Walter Klinkhoff Gallery purchases the entire exhibition William Kurelek, A Point of View: Cape Dorset, Baffin Island, Northwest Territories from Isaacs Gallery.  The exhibition had also been on display at the Art Gallery of Ontario.  The paintings are sold to Jim Tooley, a principal of Nordair, a regional airline serving northern communities.  Tooley would re-sell most of the paintings through Klinkhoff in 1978.

Walter Klinkhoff sends Alan to London, England to attempt to purchase an important painting for client and friend, Fraser Elliott, at auction.

The Toronto Star publishes the article “It’s lucky 13th as buyer gets lost Krieghoff,” a rare opportunity purchased by Walter Klinkhoff for $27,000.

Walter Klinkhoff visits Mrs. Franklin Carmichael and buys several nice sketches for $100 each.

An exhibition of fine works of art by Maurice Cullen at Galerie Walter Klinkhoff.

The Montreal Star writes about the record breaking purchase of two Lawren Harris paintings made by Walter Klinkhoff for a total of $75,000.

From August 1974 to August 1975 Alan Klinkhoff lives in Paris, studying French and art.

Alan Klinkhoff formally joins his father’s business, apprenticing under Walter Klinkhoff, working alongside Eric and Gertrude.

An exhibition of fine works of art by Clarence Gagnon at Galerie Walter Klinkhoff.

An event that the artist herself attended. “Kathleen Morris: Portrait of the artist as an expression of joy” is written by Wini Rider, The Gazette.

A Montreal Gazette article from 1977 entitled, “Art Market “Very Brisk” Says One Time Engineer,” written by Virginia Nixon, recounts Walter Klinkhoff’s own beginnings in art, his projections for the future as well as his own personal taste in art.

An exhibition of fine works of art by Marc-Aurèle de Foy Suzor-Coté at Galerie Walter Klinkhoff.

An exhibition of fine works of art by Sam Borenstein at Galerie Walter Klinkhoff.

Walter Klinkhoff Gallery hosts a catalogued sale of paintings from William Kurelek, A Point of View: Cape Dorset, Baffin Island, Northwest Territories, which he had purchased in 1969 for Nordair principal Jim Tooley.  Kurelek dies during the preparations.  His widow and brother attend the exhibition.

An exhibition of fine works of art by Marc-Aurèle Fortin at Galerie Walter Klinkhoff.

Alan Klinkhoff is invited to visit Jean Paul Lemieux and his wife at their home on L'Isle-aux-Coudres, one of many trips to meet the master.  He would ultimately buy a number of works from the master.

Galerie Walter Klinkhoff is listed as one of the top galleries to buy art in The Gazette’s article, “Gallery Guide to the Best Art of the Season.” Other galleries include Dominion Gallery and Waddington Gallery.

An exhibition celebrating the works of art of Beaver Hall Group member, Prudence Heward, is shown at Galerie Walter Klinkhoff.

An exhibition of fine works of art by painter, Pegi Nicol MacLeod, at Galerie Walter Klinkhoff.

An exhibition of fine works of art by Goodridge Roberts at Galerie Walter Klinkhoff.

An exhibition of fine works of art by painter, Adrien Hébert, at Galerie Walter Klinkhoff.

An exhibition of fine works of art by painter and outdoorsman, René Richard, at Galerie Walter Klinkhoff.

The Montreal Gazette publishes an interview with Alan Klinkhoff on the front page of their Personal Finance Section about investing in art –“Canadian Paintings: Buy for Love not Profit” by Matthew Elder.

The Klinkhoffs organize the sale of the Dobrin Collection of Canadian Art at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel–one among many of the fine collections that the Klinkhoffs have sold.

 “Painter’s work evokes feelings of yesteryear” is written by Lawrence Sabbath for the  Montreal Gazette. 

Two newspaper articles by Ann Duncan and one book are published about the exhibition, that is held at Galerie Walter Klinkhoff:
"Klinkhoff exhibition honors overlooked Montreal artist." Montreal Gazette, Sept. 23, 1987.

"Works by Ethel Seath, Study Old Girls on view until Saturday at Klinkhoff." Westmount Examiner, Sept. 24, 1987.  -Little, Roger. Ethel Seath: A Retrospective Exhibition. Montreal: Walter Klinkhoff Gallery, 1987.

An exhibition of fine works of art by Canadian painter, Robert Pilot, at Galerie Walter Klinkhoff.

Alan Klinkhoff serves as a member of the Council of the University Club of Montreal.

Alan Klinkhoff is contracted part time by the Federal Minister of Justice in the capacity, “expert evaluator,” of works of art.

 An exhibition of fine works of art by Mabel Lockerby is held at Galerie Walter Klinkhoff. "Work of forgotten artist resurfaces in exhibition" is written by Ann Duncan, The Gazette.

The Montreal Gazette interviews Walter Klinkhoff for the article, "Landscape with family: Art is a tradition for the Klinkhoffs" by Lawrence Sabbath.

An exhibition of fine works of art by Group of Seven member, A.Y. Jackson at Galerie Walter Klinkhoff.

Alan Klinkhoff represents the Professional Art Dealers Association of Canada in the Canadian Senate to the Senate Permanent Committee on Banking and Commerce in the debate on GST Bill C-62 (Volume 34, Part 2, Issues 65-73).

An exhibition of fine art by Canadian painter, Sarah Robertson, at Galerie Walter Klinkhoff.

"Klinkhoff honours overlooked painter" is written by Ann Duncan, Montreal Gazette.

An exhibition of fine art by Beaver Hall Group member, Anne Savage, at Galerie Walter Klinkhoff.
"Retrospective designed to attract people unlikely to visit an art gallery" is written by Ann Duncan, Montreal Gazette.

An exhibition of fine works of art by Georges Delfosse is held at Galerie Walter Klinkhoff.
"Teaching takes precedence over selling at Klinkhoff show" is written by Ann Duncan, Montreal Gazette.

Walter Klinkhoff publishes a book of reminiscences, with a selection of experiences and wisdom gained from his career as an art dealer since 1949.

An exhibition of fine works of art by Albert H. Robinson is held at Galerie Walter Klinkhoff. "Here’s to you Mr. Robinson," is written by Ann Duncan, Montreal Gazette.

The Montreal Gazette writes an appreciation of the gallery and its non-selling retrospective exhibitions in an article entitled, "Klinkhoff: The Art of the Dealer. The Walter Klinkhoff Gallery will never sell you a 'piece of rubbish.'" written by Alan D. Gray.

An exhibition of fine works of art by Beaver Hall Group member, Lilias Torrance Newton.
"Lilias Newton: Portrait of the artist," is written by Ann Duncan, Montreal Gazette.

An exhibition of fine works of art by painter, William Raphael held at Galerie Walter Klinkhoff. "A Raphael revival," is written by Ann Duncan, Montreal Gazette.

Alan Klinkhoff serves as Member of the Acquisition Committee of  “Art Ancien” at the Musée nationale des Beaux arts du Québec.

An exhibition of fine works of art by Group of Seven member, Arthur Lismer, is held at Galerie Walter Klinkhoff.

Walter H. Klinkhoff (1918-1997)

The Suburban publishes an article in memory of Walter Klinkhoff entitled, "Walter Klinkhoff, a dealer who shaped Canadian art collections," written by Bernard Mendelman.
The Montreal Gazette publishes, "Walter Klinkhoff’s contribution will live on," by Henry Lehmann.

The gallery exhibits, Homage to Walter Klinkhoff, a retrospective show of fine Canadian paintings. The Montreal Gazette publishes, "Klinkhoff’s Legacy: A gallery founder’s sons pay homage to his memory, offering a rare, impressive look at Montreal’s past," written by Dorota Kozinska and The Suburban publishes, "Remembering Walter Klinkhoff" by Bernard Mendelman.

 Jonathan Klinkhoff joins his grandmother, Gertrude, his father, Alan, and his uncle, Eric at Galerie Walter Klinkhoff.  He is the third generation of the Klinkhoff family to serve in the Canadian art business.

A Beaver Hall Group Retrospective Exhibition is shown at Galerie Walter Klinkhoff.

 Maurice Cullen Retrospective for which the Montreal Gazette article “Look closely – Cullen was a visionary” by Henry Lehmann was written as well as the review, “Klinkhoff Gallery takes a fresh look at Maurice Cullen” by Bernard Mendelman for ARTSEEN.

An exhibition of fine works of art by Canadian painter, David Milne, at Galerie Walter Klinkhoff. "A Chance to see one of the best" is written by Henry Lehmann, Montreal Gazette.

An exhibition of fine works of art by west coast Canadian painter, Emily Carr, at Galerie Walter Klinkhoff.

Alan Klinkhoff's younger son, Craig Klinkhoff,  begins apprenticing at Galerie Walter Klinkhoff. 

An exhibition of fine works of art by painter, Kathleen Morris, at Galerie Walter Klinkhoff.

An exhibition of fine works of art by Canadian painter, Philip Surrey, at Galerie Walter Klinkhoff. "Mixing calm and menace" is written by Henry Lehmann, Montreal Gazette.

Walter Klinkhoff is posthumously honoured with the Art Dealers Association of Canada's Lifetime Achievement Award. 

An exhibition of fine works of art by John Young Johnstone at Galerie Walter Klinkhoff.

The Beaver Hall Group Retrospective Exhibition at Galerie Walter Klinkhoff.

An exhibition of fine works of art by painter, Marc-Aurèle Fortin, at Galerie Walter Klinkhoff.

Alan welcomes the Women’s Arts Society to the Gallery on the Franklin Brownell Retrospective Exhibition.

An exhibition of select masterpieces, each representative of a style or movement in the history and evolution of Canadian art.

An exhibition of fine works of art by Paul Vanier Beaulieu at Galerie Walter Klinkhoff.

"Klinkhoff Remembers 45 Years with the Beaver Hall Women," a blog post by Jonathan Klinkhoff, is written and published.

Chair of Concordia University’s Painting Department, Montreal artist John Fox, RCA, (1927-2008) is honoured with retrospective at at Walter Klinkhoff Gallery. Tourisme Montreal publishes an online article promoting the exhibition. 

Jonathan Klinkhoff is featured in Amazing Men in the Canadian Art World, published by theartmarket.ca.

Failure to start a succession planning initiative at Galerie Walter Klinkhoff leads to the dissolution of the 65 year old business founded by Walter Klinkhoff.   In December, 2013, the gallery is closed.  Brothers Eric and Alan Klinkhoff will open their own galleries separately.  Galerie Alan Klinkhoff opens in January, 2014.

January 1, 2014

With his sons, Craig and Jonathan, and wife, Helen, Alan Klinkhoff opens Galerie Alan Klinkhoff at 1448 Sherbrooke Street West, on Montreal’s Gallery Row.

Galerie Alan Klinkhoff participates in the Journal of Canadian Art History’s Colloquium: "Frame and Framing in Canada: Functions and History" (23-24 October 2014) at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

September, 2014

In order to serve its long-standing clients in Toronto and to provide better access to its services for people across Canada, Alan Klinkhoff Gallery opens an office in Toronto.  The Toronto operations are managed by Alan's oldest son, Jonathan Klinkhoff.

Alan Klinkhoff Gallery opens a second storefront gallery at 113 Yorkville Avenue in Toronto.

Galerie Alan Klinkhoff presents its third Beaver Hall Group exhibition in tandem with the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts’s first. The Klinkhoff’s influence is recognized in the article, "Beaver Hall Group's canvases speak in Picturesque's dramatic shorts," written by Susan Schwartz, Montreal Gazette. Schwartz writes, “museum-quality exhibitions... spearheaded a resurgence of interest in these woman artists.”

Alan Klinkhoff Gallery presents: Fine Art & Hockey: A Point of View, a unique retrospective exhibition.

Alan Klinkhoff Gallery celebrates Canada's urban artists.  Featured are John Little, Philip Surrey and Frederick B. Taylor, to name a selection.

Charlie Hill introduces landmark sale of Lawren Harris during a private lecture at Alan Klinkhoff Gallery, Toronto.

Galerie Alan Klinkhoff announces the most valuable Canadian art sale in history. Lawren Harris & Canadian Masters Sale is on display from April 1-15 in Alan Klinkhoff Gallery, Toronto.

The first John Little exhibition since 1978 is held at Galerie Alan Klinkhoff in Montreal from November 4-18. It also marks the first showing of Little's paintings in Toronto, from November 23-December 9.