Linda Givon 's Founder of the Goodman Gallery - Johannesburg South Africa

 

The Goodman Gallery - Photo: goodman.com

Linda Givon. Photo by www.contemporaryand.com

 

Linda Givon was a prominent figure in the South African art scene, best known as the founder of the Goodman Gallery in Johannesburg. Born into a family with a rich cultural background—her parents, Morris and Hetty Finger, were Lithuanian immigrants who settled in South Africa after World War II—Linda's upbringing fostered an appreciation for art, particularly through her mother’s passion for collecting.

She pursued her education at the University of the Witwatersrand, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree, and further honed her skills at the London School of Dramatic Art, where she obtained a diploma in teaching and acting. After marrying Brian Miller and having two children, she relocated to London, but in 1964, she returned to South Africa, where her path intersected with Tony Goodman. They married, and in 1966, she established the Goodman Gallery in Hyde Square, a significant venue for contemporary art.

Givon was known for her discerning eye in selecting artists, focusing on their quality, skill, and ability to convey the South African experience through their work. Beyond her role as a gallery owner, she was a committed patron of the arts, generously donating to institutions and advocating for community art centers. Linda Givon passed away in 2020, leaving behind a legacy of support for artists and the cultural landscape of South Africa.

- Written by Pieter Lategan 25 September 2024

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