In 2022, a definitive collection of works by Michał Antoni Leszczyński (Michael Lester) was acquired from the heirs and caretakers of his estate. Comprising 32 oil paintings and over 600 works on paper—alongside personal diaries and ephemera—this archive serves as a comprehensive chronicle of Lester’s life and legacy.
Spanning from 1937 to his passing in 1972, the collection captures an extraordinary artistic evolution. His early years in Poland and Britain were defined by his dual mastery of the sea and the canvas; as a highly regarded master mariner, his initial focus rested on precise maritime compositions and still lifes.
In 1952, his relocation to Jamaica ignited a dramatic stylistic shift. Settling in Montego Bay, Lester and his wife, Peggy, established a gallery that became a cultural hub for the era’s elite. His work drew an international and local clientele, including the de Lisser and Reynolds families, as well as entertainment industry socialites. Lester achieved a rare feat for any artist: financial independence fueled solely by his passion. Today, his prolific output remains visible across the globe and within the halls of Jamaica’s most iconic landmarks, such as Half Moon resort.
This digital showcase features the "personal favorites" that once adorned his home in Belmont, Jamaica. We invite you to explore this window into his intrepid life as we continue our work to digitize and preserve his storied legacy.
