O'Hana Gallery

In 1957, the gallery was opened by Jacques (Jack) O'Hana (1899-1974) who was born in Casablanca, Morocco. The gallery initially focused on French paintings and sculptures from the 19th and 20th centuries. It was located in Mayfair, London, at Carlos Place, Grosvenor Square. Early in July 1962, the O'Hana experienced a significant art theft when 35 paintings were stolen from their 'Summer Exhibition'. The stolen artwork included pieces from the recently sold Alexander Korda collection and notable works by Renoir and Toulouse-Lautrec. The stolen haul was estimated to be worth approximately £1,000,000, although estimates vary. The gallery was generally unprepared for such a high-profile art theft, and the incident prompted other galleries across the country to increase security by installing security cameras and guards. The gallery operated for over 20 years until its closure in March 1975, shortly after Jacques' death in August of the previous year.