In the mid-1960s John left the art world for the property business but in 1990 rejoined the family firm, which had burgeoned into the successful Richard Green Galleries.
John’s expertise in property matters was invaluable in the refurbishment of 147 New Bond Street, which the firm took over in 2000, and in the redevelopment of the gallery at 33 New Bond Street in 2011. It was the acquisition of the freehold of number 33 that allowed Richard Green to build a five-storey gallery on the site for the display of 20th century paintings and sculpture.
John remained very active in the art world, where his charm and good humour made him a great favourite with the connoisseurs and museum professionals whom he assisted in building their collections. He was also a stalwart supporter of the Society of London Art Dealers and of the prestige of Bond Street as a centre of London’s art market.
His closest professional relationship was with his brother, with whom he had started out in business when they were both teenagers. John reflected recently how privileged he had been to ‘enjoy an immensely rewarding 25 years with Richard Green Galleries’.
He will be greatly missed by Jacqueline, his wife of 52 years, his four children and six grandchildren, as well as Richard, his sister Penny Marks and the younger Green family members with whom he worked so closely, and his colleagues and friends in the wider art world.
