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Our Story

Hemingway African Gallery & Safaris is a second generation enterprise in its 46th year, headquartered in New York City and spearheaded by the sibling partnership of Logan and Tuck Gaisford. Founded in 1975 by friends Brian Gaisford and Gregory Hemingway, Hemingway African Gallery & Safaris has spent more than four decades bringing artwork from across Africa to new audiences. The art and travel venture is dedicated to educating and inspiring patrons by spreading awareness of African artists, art preservation, and wildlife conservation. 

Hemingway African Gallery’s collection is ethically-sourced, mainly directly from artisans across the continent, and ranges from antique to decorative. The only way to ensure artwork is collected ethically is to personally purchase all art in Africa directly from artists, artisans and trusted dealers at a fair price. While the African art industry continues to buzz, this family-run NYC gallery has quietly become one of the largest importers of African art in the city.

Brian’s story begins in South Africa where he grew up spending countless hours in the bush falling in love with Africa’s wilderness, wildlife and people. Over the years he grew passionate about african art due to its unwavering connection and recognition of the natural world. 

In January 1975 Brian made his way to New York City where he met Gregory Hemingway at a tennis match and the idea for Hemingway African Gallery sparked. Although the Hemingway family is no longer affiliated with the gallery, we are forever grateful for our ongoing close friendship.

Today, Hemingway thoughtfully harmonizes authentic and historic artifacts, modern cultural home crafts, Shona stone sculpture, photographic safaris, targeted wildlife conservation, and philanthropic support for vulnerable communities. This multi-layered identity is due to Hemingway Gallery & Safaris’ prolific history. 

The street-level gallery at 88 Leonard St. and the newly launched online store, brings African art, design, travel, and wildlife conservation under one roof to present visitors with a vision of the gallery’s next chapter as a destination for African aesthetics in the heart of Tribeca.

MISSION

The mission of Hemingway Gallery is deeper than the simple sale of art. Our goal is to promote and elevate art and artists to directly impact economic conditions on the African continent. We do this by working directly with artists throughout Africa who make and sell their amazing pieces. Ensuring a fair price is paid at the time of trade is integral to every part of our business and we believe this is why we have had a trusted reputation amongst artists and artisans since 1975.

Additionally, artwork and decorative items from Africa are historically underrepresented in America. At a time when many galleries and museums are making minimal efforts to include only token artworks from Africa in their collections, we are dedicated to representing African artists exclusively. The art of Africa is not any one type or form. We consider it the highest form of art and it, and African artists, deserve an international audience. This artform deserves an entire gallery and not a singular representation in a museum or art fair. The fight against exploiting African art is essential and it is one that means everything to us. 

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