Herbert Mayer '29 Collection

The arts space that would become the Picker Art Gallery opened in 1966 with a large gift by Herbert A. Mayer ’29. The works of art he gave to Colgate reflect the international scope of the exhibitions held at Mayer’s World House Galleries (1957–66) in New York City. Over time, the Picker’s collection has been supplemented by generous gifts by alumni, faculty, and friends.

The Herbert Mayer Collection offers an exceptional survey of the mid-20th century international art world through works of art created by hundreds of artists from around the globe. Herbert Mayer, a member of the Colgate class of 1929, turned an early interest in the arts into a business when he opened the World House Galleries in New York in 1957. He brought a global focus to the New York contemporary art scene and showed the work of international artists, both those of established reputation and younger artists making their mark abroad.

Between 1966, when the World House Galleries closed, and continuing through 1984, Mayer made a number of substantial gifts to the Picker Art Gallery, including more than 550 paintings, 500 drawings, 100 prints, and art in other mediums from the World House inventory and his private collection. Objects given by Mayer include works by well-known artists such as Edgar Degas, Paul Gauguin, and Paul Klee, along with works by artists who, although unrecognized in the United States, were leaders of postwar artistic developments in Europe and Latin America.