AGH Rental and Sales

Background:

'Picture Rental', as the programme was termed in 1955, was brought together by the AGH Women's Auxilary (now the Volunteer Committee) in the hopes of encouraging public interest in Canadian art, aiding both artists and the Gallery's permanent collection with a source of income. The service was open only once per month and was run solely by a group of volunteers. 'Picture Rental' was a daring endeavour and the AGH was one of only five art museums to have such a service in North America, and the first of its kind in Canada.

By the 1970s, the Art Rental service was open more frequently and hosted annual art sales called "The Hang-Ups", boasting such artists from the art rental collection such as Harold Town, Jack Bush, Riopelle and Norval Morriseau, among others. The programme's initiative proved to be successful not only in introducing these now iconic Canadian artists to the general public, but also in making these works of art accessible to view, rent or purchase.

Today, Art Rental and Sales, located in the Shop at AGH (123 King St W, Hamilton, ON) and the Art + Design Store at the Design Annex (118 James St N, Hamilton, ON). Both locations house the rental or sale of contemporary Canadian art work. The diverse collection features work by local and regional artists and continues to grow with new talent each year.