history
Founded in 1972 in Adelaide by the visionary art dealer Veda Swain, the gallery stands as one of Australia’s longest established commercial art spaces. From its earliest days, it built a reputation for integrity, connoisseurship, and a discerning eye for quality, representing and exhibiting many of Australia’s most respected and celebrated artists.
As the gallery’s reputation grew, a second branch was opened in Perth in 1980, extending its reach across the country and strengthening its presence within the national art market. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the gallery played an important role in promoting significant Australian artists, fostering long-term relationships with collectors, and contributing to the broader cultural landscape.
Since the mid 1990s, management has been led by Paul Swain, who continued the gallery’s tradition of expertise and personal service while adapting to the evolving art market. Under his direction, the gallery maintained its commitment to excellence and reputation, supporting both established and emerging artists and advising private and corporate collectors.
In 2013, responding to changes in the global art market, the gallery transitioned to an exclusively online model. Today, it focuses on sourcing and selling fine works of art for buyers and sellers alike, while also offering independent collection advice and professional valuation services. With more than five decades of experience, the gallery remains dedicated to upholding the highest standards in Australian art, combining tradition with innovation.
Paul Swain – Director, Greenhill Galleries
Paul Swain, current Director and owner of Greenhill Galleries, has spent a lifetime immersed in the fine arts. From an early age he was educated in all aspects of art through his family’s close associations with many of Australia’s most respected and revered artists.
Paul further developed his expertise through formal studies at the British Institute of Art in Florence and the Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London. More recently, he completed a Master of Business Administration at the prestigious AGSM Business School at the University of New South Wales.
Throughout his career, Paul has held several significant advisory and professional roles. He served as a government-appointed valuer under the Australian Cultural Gifts Program and was the longest-serving board member of the City of Perth Art Foundation, where he advised on the commissioning and acquisition of public sculptures for the City of Perth.
Today, Paul offers a comprehensive range of services through Greenhill Galleries, specialising in collection advisory services. He assists clients with sourcing significant artworks, managing sales on behalf of collectors, and providing professional valuations. Additional services include framing consultation and expert advice on the placement and presentation of artworks.