Discover the story of George Whyte - a visionary entrepreneur, a brilliant artist, and an avid collector who left a lasting legacy in the world of art. This multi-talented British writer, businessman, and art expert grew up in Budapest in the early 1930s before moving to the UK with his family. Despite his early passion for composing music, he founded a company that was later taken up by the Maples furniture store, where he eventually became the chairman of Maples International.


At Maples, George discovered a deep love for art, particularly in French artists. He developed a keen eye for talent and searched for artists whose works he could showcase in his shops. Over the years, George's interest in art grew, and he became a respected art collector, renowned for his exceptional taste and keen eye for beauty


A visionary entrepreneur, a brilliant artist, and an avid collector who left a lasting legacy in the world of art. This multi-talented British writer, businessman, and art expert grew up in Budapest in the early 1930s before moving to the UK with his family. Despite his early passion for composing music, he founded a company that was later taken up by Maples furniture store, where he eventually became the chairman of Maples International. 


At Maples, George discovered a deep love for art, particularly in French artists. He developed a keen eye for talent and searched for artists whose works he could showcase in his shops. Over the years, George's interest in art grew, and he became a respected art collector, renowned for his exceptional taste and keen eye for beauty

George's legacy in the world of art extends beyond his passion for collecting. He was a prolific writer, with his works published by various publishers, including Palgrave Macmillan, Inter Nationes, Artial, and Coda Editions. His stage works have been premiered by numerous prestigious venues, including the Deutsche Oper Berlin, Oper der Stadt Bonn, Theater Basel, New York City Opera, and many more.


In 1973, George sold Maples but kept his extensive collection of French paintings, determined to promote his beloved artists. He hired experts to inventory the art, collect archives, and write about the painters. However, the process of contacting museums and art libraries was time-consuming and expensive, and George's projects to exhibit the collection were put on hold as he became involved in important writing projects, such as the Dreyfus affair.


In 2011, George seized the opportunity to breathe new life into his collection with the aid of new technologies and facilities. He set up an exhibition at the Flemings Gallery in London and published a book with Skira on the collection, which was viewed by many art lovers. He always believed that his artists had great merit and potential and was particularly drawn to their approach to nature, often painting directly from it.


George Whyte's art collection is a testament to his deep passion for beauty, his unwavering commitment to promoting the arts, and his unparalleled taste for exceptional talent. Discover the magic of George's art collection and experience the timeless beauty of his beloved artists.

George's legacy in the world of art extends beyond his passion for collecting. He was a prolific writer, with his works published by various publishers, including Palgrave Macmillan, Inter Nationes, Artial, and Coda Editions. His stage works have been premiered by numerous prestigious venues, including the Deutsche Oper Berlin, Oper der Stadt Bonn, Theater Basel, New York City Opera, and many more. 


In 1973, George sold Maples but kept his extensive collection of French paintings, determined to promote his beloved artists. He hired experts to inventory the art, collect archives, and write about the painters. However, the process of contacting museums and art libraries was time-consuming and expensive, and George's projects to exhibit the collection were put on hold as he became involved in important writing projects, such as the Dreyfus affair.


In 2011, George seized the opportunity to breathe new life into his collection with the aid of new technologies and facilities. He set up an exhibition at the Flemings Gallery in London and published a book with Skira on the collection, which was viewed by many art lovers. He always believed that his artists had great merit and potential and was particularly drawn to their approach to nature, often painting directly from it. 


George Whyte's art collection is a testament to his deep passion for beauty, his unwavering commitment to promoting the arts, and his unparalleled taste for exceptional talent. Discover the magic of George's art collection and experience the timeless beauty of his beloved artists.