Smith, Benjamin K., 1872-1973.

Dates:
Birth 1872
Death 1973

Biographical notes:

Art dealer and appraiser.

From the description of Benjamin K. Smith papers, 1903-1970. (Art Institute of Chicago). WorldCat record id: 81879975

Art gallery; Chicago, Ill. and Scottsdale, Az.

Chicago's first art gallery and one of the oldest family owned and operated gallery in the United States. It opened in 1855 as a frame shop, offering a variety of services to both artists and collectors. It was called by several names, including O'Brien's Art Emporium, O'Brien Art Galleries, O'Brien Galleries, House of O'Brien, and M. O'Brien & Sons. The gallery remained in Chicago until 1941, closed during the war, and resumed operation in Scottsdale, Arizona in the 1950s. Three generations of O'Briens (Martin, William, and William Jr.) ran the gallery before it moved to Arizona; all were committed to bringing culture and the visual arts to Chicago.

From the description of Benjamin K. Smith papers relating to O'Brien Galleries, 1912-1941. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 86093830

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Subjects:

  • Appraisers
  • Art dealers
  • Art dealers
  • Art galleries, Commercial

Occupations:

not available for this record

Places:

  • Illinois--Chicago (as recorded)
  • Illinois--Chicago (as recorded)