THE GALLERY

OUR HISTORY

Cross Gate Gallery was founded by Greg Ladd in 1974. As a native of Lexington, Ladd dreamed of developing Cross Gate into a gallery that could offer the best “Sporting Art” in the world in his beloved bluegrass, “Horse Capital of the World.” Dealing primarily in Equine related  ‘Sporting Art’, the gallery’s inventory spans the 19^th and 20^th centuries, offering works by many of the genre’s most recognized artists such as Sir Alfred Munnings, Henry Stull, Franklin Voss, John Frederick Herrin Sr. and Edward Troye. In addition to offering works by many of the greatest equestrian painters of the past, Cross Gate represents many the world’s best contemporary equestrian painters, including Andre Pater, Peter Howell, Larry Wheeler, Sandra Oppegard and many more. Cross Gate Gallery has developed a sterling reputation by consistently offering the highest quality artwork in the sporting genre and for an unmatched dedication to their client’s satisfaction.

“Greg Ladd, founder of Cross Gate Gallery in Lexington, Ky., spends a great deal of time cultivating artists who he believes should apply their considerable skills to creating sporting art.  Because Ladd’s gallery is located in Kentucky horse country, he favors images of Thoroughbreds and racing, although he also displays other examples of the sporting art genre, including scenes of hunting and fishing.  He carries relevant 19th – and 20th- century paintings and sculptures, but many of his offerings are contemporary pieces created by artists who had painted few Thoroughbreds before meeting Ladd.  During much of the gallery’s 30 years of existence, Ladd has invited artists to stay at an apartment near the Lexington gallery so that they can observe horse auctions, races and farms.”   – The Robb Report

While Ladd’s vision has been realized in many regards, as Cross Gate is currently recognized as one of the world’s most elite ‘Sporting Art’ galleries, his passion for art continues to drive him forward. The past 45 years have been rewarding and Ladd feels fortunate to have cultivated an unbelievably loyal clientele, but despite all of the success, Cross Gate Gallery continues to reach for higher heights. In 2013 Cross Gate Gallery entered into a partnership with the Keeneland Association to launch The Sporting Art Auction and the results have been nothing short of extraordinary.