Leonard Victor Mitchell
GROUP SCENES & PORTRAITS
Leonard considered himself first and foremost a portrait artist and was sought-after in Wellington of the 1950s. His mastery of the human figure can be seen at scale in his striking Lower Hutt War Memorial Library murals, still proudly displayed today.
While many of Leonard’s major portraits can be viewed on the Portrait Artist page, the below paintings are some of Leonard’s group scenes and other portrait works currently held by the Mitchell family or on display in public spaces.
Group Scenes
The Raising of Lazarus, oil on canvas, unsigned c1942, 125cm x 199cm.
Human Endeavour, oil on canvas, Leonard Victor Mitchell 1956, 250cm x 850cm (composed of five canvases each approximately 167cm x 250cm). On display, Lower Hutt War Memorial Library.
Their Sacrifice, oil on canvas, Leonard Victor Mitchell 1956, 600cm x 420cm. On display, Lower Hutt War Memorial Library.
Preserved Freedom, oil on canvas, Leonard Victor Mitchell 1956, 600cm x 420cm. On display, Lower Hutt War Memorial Library.
The Astrologer, Self Portrait with Pat and James Chapman-Taylor, oil on canvas, signed Leonard V Mitchell 1969, 117cm x 117cm.
French Circus with Clowns, Elephant & Dwarves, oil on canvas on board, unsigned, 61cm x 76cm.
White Horse and Circus Family, oil on canvas, signed Leonard Victor Mitchell 1969, 87cm x 117cm.
The Separation of Heaven and Earth (Polynesian Mythology), oil on canvas, signed Leonard Mitchell 1959, 180cm x 300cm. SOLD 2019 for $17,000.
The Separation of Rangi and Papa, oil on canvas, signed Leonard V Mitchell 1969, 117cm x 117cm.
The Musicians, London, oil on canvas, signed Leonard V Mitchell 1969, 58cm x 135cm.
Gypsy Caravan, oil on board, unsigned, 49cm x 59cm.
Portraits
Portrait of Pat with Red Scarf, oil on canvas, signed Mitchell (c1955), 117cm x 95cm.
Mr Buwalda of Blericum, Holland, oil on board, signed Leonard Victor Mitchell 1960, 61cm x 50cm.
Maori Woman in Straw Hat, oil on canvas, signed Mitchell 1949, 61cm x 50cm. SOLD 2018 for $4,500.
Elizabeth Ramsden, oil on board, signed Leonard Victor Mitchell 1961, 60cm x 40cm.
Vivien Dixon with Violin (NZ Symphony Orchestra), oil on canvas on board, signed Leonard Mitchell 1956, 57cm x 49cm.
Peter Valli, oil on board, signed Leonard Mitchell 1958, 56cm x 49cm.
Ayline Gallagher, oil on canvas, signed Leonard Mitchell 1958, 85cm x 63cm.
Patricia Nickalls in Blue Beret, oil on canvas on board, signed Mitchell 'Oct 1954, 70cm x 55cm.
Young Gypsy Woman Holland, oil on board, signed Leonard Victor Mitchell 1960, 60cm x 50cm.
Young Man in Red Shirt (Peter Ramsden), oil on canvas on board, signed Leonard Mitchell 1959, 58cm x 51cm.
The Young Mother, oil on board, signed Leonard Mitchell 1959, 61cm x 51cm.
Portrait of Mr Buwalda's Grandaughter in Red Collar & Blue Dress, oil on board, unsigned (c1960), 32cm x 26cm.
Portrait of Mrs Buwalda in Blue Blouse, Black Coat & Brooch, oil on board, signed Leonard Victor Mitchell 1960, 32cm x 26cm.
Pat with Camelias on Kelliher's Island, oil on canvas on board, signed Leonard V Mitchell 1959, 60cm x 50cm.
Figure Study, pen & wash on paper, signed Mitchell 1955. SOLD 2018 for $2,500.
Patricia Nickalls, pencil & conte on paper, unsigned circa 1955, 32cm x 24cm.
Vivien Dixon (NZSO), conte on paper, signed Mitchell 1955, 42cm x 31cm. SOLD 2021 for $1,200.
Judy Edrige (NZSO), conte on paper, signed Mitchell 1955, 57cm x 45cm.
Inia Te Wiata, conte on paper, signed Leonard Mitchell 1958, 35cm x 25cm. SOLD 2018 for $2,000.
Art Critic Eric Ramsden after a Russian Party, Wednesday October 28th 1959, conte on paper, signed Leonard Mitchell 1959 & titled, 35cm x 25cm.
Portrait of an Unknown Woman, pencil on paper, signed Leonard V Mitchell 1953, 59cm x 45cm.
Please note that, while all efforts are made to represent artworks faithfully, nothing compares to seeing an artwork in the flesh.
Please contact us if you are interested in an artwork and we would be more than happy to provide further images or a viewing if you are in the Wellington region.