Leonard Andrews
Encyclopedia
Leonard Edward Bryant Andrews (March 31, 1925 – January 2, 2009) was an American
publisher and art collector best known for his purchase of some 240 previously unknown Andrew Wyeth works of a woman known as Helga, including several nudes.
Andrews was born in Nacogdoches, Texas
on March 31, 1925. He served as a bomber pilot during World War II
, after volunteering to enlist in the United States Army
at age 17. After attending Southern Methodist University
, he served in the United States Air Force
during the Korean War
, flying bombers.
He was employed by a credit card company, the Uni-Serv Corporation, during the 1962 New York City newspaper strike
, and approached the company's customers about advertising in a publication he created called The New York Standard, the largest of several alternative papers published during the strike, reaching a peak circulation of more than 400,000 and appearing for 67 issues. He was later employed as an executive at a grocery store chain executive and in the underwriting department of an investment firm.
After reading about the bankruptcy of the Penn Central Transportation Company, he came up with the idea of publishing a newsletter with details about that firm's demise. He later added details regarding other major bankruptcy cases and started other newsletters about specific issues, such as asbestos litigation and Iranian assets after the Shah was deposed, charging more than $1,000 per year for his bankruptcy publication. He published some 30 legal journals and other publications reaching bankers, investors and lawyers. Andrews sold the company in 1985.
He established the National Arts Program in 1983 which helps highlight and present American artists.
In 1986, Andrews purchased a set of 240 previously unknown Andrew Wyeth works of a woman known as Helga, including several nudes. After he sold them for seven times the price he had paid, Andrews invested the proceeds into an art program that helps amateur artists display their work. Andrews bought an additional 290 more Wyeth works in 1989, including drawings for Wyeth's painting Christina's World
, which he sold to a Japanese buyer for $40 million to $50 million in November 1989.
Andrews died at age 83 on January 2, 2009, due to prostate cancer
at his home in Malvern, Pennsylvania
.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
publisher and art collector best known for his purchase of some 240 previously unknown Andrew Wyeth works of a woman known as Helga, including several nudes.
Andrews was born in Nacogdoches, Texas
Nacogdoches, Texas
Nacogdoches is a city in Nacogdoches County, Texas, in the United States. The 2010 census recorded the city's population to be 32,996. It is the county seat of Nacogdoches County and is situated in East Texas. Nacogdoches is a sister city of Natchitoches, Louisiana.Nacogdoches is the home of...
on March 31, 1925. He served as a bomber pilot during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, after volunteering to enlist in the United States Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
at age 17. After attending Southern Methodist University
Southern Methodist University
Southern Methodist University is a private university in Dallas, Texas, United States. Founded in 1911 by the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, SMU operates campuses in Dallas, Plano, and Taos, New Mexico. SMU is owned by the South Central Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church...
, he served in the United States Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
during the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
, flying bombers.
He was employed by a credit card company, the Uni-Serv Corporation, during the 1962 New York City newspaper strike
1962 New York City newspaper strike
The 1962-63 New York City Newspaper Strike ran from December 8, 1962 until March 31, 1963, lasting for a total of 114 days.-Preliminary actions:...
, and approached the company's customers about advertising in a publication he created called The New York Standard, the largest of several alternative papers published during the strike, reaching a peak circulation of more than 400,000 and appearing for 67 issues. He was later employed as an executive at a grocery store chain executive and in the underwriting department of an investment firm.
After reading about the bankruptcy of the Penn Central Transportation Company, he came up with the idea of publishing a newsletter with details about that firm's demise. He later added details regarding other major bankruptcy cases and started other newsletters about specific issues, such as asbestos litigation and Iranian assets after the Shah was deposed, charging more than $1,000 per year for his bankruptcy publication. He published some 30 legal journals and other publications reaching bankers, investors and lawyers. Andrews sold the company in 1985.
He established the National Arts Program in 1983 which helps highlight and present American artists.
In 1986, Andrews purchased a set of 240 previously unknown Andrew Wyeth works of a woman known as Helga, including several nudes. After he sold them for seven times the price he had paid, Andrews invested the proceeds into an art program that helps amateur artists display their work. Andrews bought an additional 290 more Wyeth works in 1989, including drawings for Wyeth's painting Christina's World
Christina's World
Christina's World is a 1948 painting by American painter Andrew Wyeth, and one of the best-known American paintings of the middle 20th century...
, which he sold to a Japanese buyer for $40 million to $50 million in November 1989.
Andrews died at age 83 on January 2, 2009, due to prostate cancer
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. Most prostate cancers are slow growing; however, there are cases of aggressive prostate cancers. The cancer cells may metastasize from the prostate to other parts of the body, particularly...
at his home in Malvern, Pennsylvania
Malvern, Pennsylvania
Malvern is a borough in Chester County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,998 at the 2010 census. The main road through the borough is King Street, although the borough is also bordered by Paoli Pike on the south, and is near US 30 on the north. The primary cross street is Warren...
.