Mark Read is an incredibly charming man. And not in that contrived way where people try so hard to be smooth that they end up being slippery. I could listen to him talk all day, and no, this is not hyperbole. Chairman of the Everard Read Group of Galleries – which has offices in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Franschhoek and London – Mark is a classic man. When I meet him at their Johannesburg gallery, he helps me with my coffee and we share stories about being young and falling in love in galleries – both with art and people.
With a degree in zoology and archaeology from the University of Cape Town, his reverence for the natural world is the foundation of everything he does. “My love for nature and art is inseparable,” he says.
“It’s all about finding the beauty in our world, whether through a landscape painting or through conserving our wildlife.”
This fondness for science and nature has stayed with him throughout his career, particularly through his roles as chairperson of WWF World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and as a founding trustee of the Rhino and Elephant Foundation. “We’ve got so much to lose in South Africa if we don’t take care of what we have,” Mark reflects on his work in conservation. “It’s our responsibility to protect these extraordinary species and landscapes for future generations.”
For more than 40 years at the Everard Read Gallery, he has helped shape the South African art scene, offering a platform for contemporary artists like Lady Skollie, Atang Tshikare and Lucinda Mudge to showcase their work. Mark believes that nature-inspired art offers a powerful way to connect with the environment. “I’m drawn to art that reflects the complexity of the world,” he explains.
“There’s something about it that resonates deeply with who we are as people, especially in a place like South Africa where the land tells so much of our story.”
Under Mark’s leadership, the Everard Read Gallery has become a vital space for both established and emerging artists, ensuring that South African art continues to flourish on the global stage. “We’re only as good as the artists we show,” Mark insists. “And South Africa has no shortage of extraordinary talent. It’s been a privilege to watch these artists grow and to help bring their work to the world.”
Mark is deeply optimistic about the state of contemporary South African art. He believes that the country’s complex history and ever-changing landscape give artists a wealth of material to explore. “South African art is at its best because there’s so much for artists to say,” he observes. “We’re constantly re-evaluating who we are as a country, and that makes for powerful, relevant art.”
Whether he’s fighting to protect endangered species or supporting emerging artists, his love for nature and art remains at the heart of everything he does. As he looks to the future, Mark is confident that South African art is headed for its brightest days yet. “We’ve got so much to offer the world,” he says, smiling.
“And I think the best is still to come.”
