Explore the Era

Delve into the postwar Los Angeles art world in this online archive, which provides additional material related to the exhibitions on view at the Getty Center. Learn about hipsters and happenings, and the venues across the city where all the action took place through images from the archives and first-hand accounts with the artists.

Nicholas Wilder Gallery (1965–70)

Nicholas Wilder Gallery, Ron Davis exhibition

Exterior view of Nicholas Wilder Gallery at the time of Ronald Davis's first solo exhibition in 1965. Image courtesy of Ronald Davis

Nicholas Wilder arrived on the Los Angeles scene in 1965 and opened a gallery on La Cienega Boulevard. The gallery was highly regarded, as were Wilder’s keen eye and ability to recognize artistic talent. He gave early exhibitions to Bruce Nauman, Ronald Davis, John McCracken, and Robert Graham, and fostered the work of David Hockney, John McLaughlin, and many others. Wilder was renowned as a debonair figure with a taste for scotch and chili dogs from Pink’s, a renowned hot dog stand on La Brea Avenue. The gallery moved to Santa Monica Boulevard in 1970 and closed in 1979.

Historic Map Locations

Works of Art

  • Untitled, Robert Graham

    Untitled, 1967, Robert Graham. Polyurethane resin. 8 5/16 x 11 7/16 x 11 1/8 in. Collection of Ed Ruscha. © Estate of Robert Graham

  • For People Who Know The Difference

    For People Who Know The Difference, 1967, John McCracken. Polyester resin, fiberglass, and plywood. 120 x 20 1/4 x 3 1/4 in. Collection of the Mohn Family Trust. © The Estate of John McCracken. Courtesy David Zwirner, New York

Explore the Archive

  • Video: Joe Goode, Charles Cowles, Ed Moses, and Hans Neuendorf

    Video: Joe Goode, Charles Cowles, Ed Moses, and Hans Neuendorf speak about Nicholas Wilder and his gallery, 2009–11

  • Robert Graham looking at his wax sculptures

    Robert Graham looking at his wax sculptures in his exhibition at Nicholas Wilder Gallery, 1968. © Robert Graham. Image courtesy of Jerry McMillan and Craig Krull Gallery, Santa Monica. © Jerry McMillan