PETER M. FAIRBANKS

1944 - 2023

BORN

1944

DIED

2023

PETER FAIRBANKS Obituary

FAIRBANKS, Peter M. Died peacefully on March 13, 2023, at his home near Ware, England. Born on August 24, 1944, in Boston, MA, his life was distinguished by a fondness for the outdoors, an inquisitive nature, and a lifelong dedication to the fine arts. Peter grew up in Lincoln and Cambridge, MA. He attended the Shady Hill School in Cambridge, MA, and the Sterling School in Craftsbury, VT. His summers were spent in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA, where his father was minister at Emmanuel Church. Peter spent a number of years pursuing his love for the wilderness, including as an instructor for the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School. Peter studied at St. John's College in Annapolis, MD, where he received his BA in classical studies. He began his career in London with Sotheby's Auction House, then moved to New York City where he worked at William Doyle Galleries and Phillips Auction House. He moved west to San Francisco to take a position with Butterfield's Auction House, and then in 1984, he founded the Montgomery Gallery, which specialized in nineteenth and twentieth century European and American painting. The Gallery, which he ran for 37 years, was his life's work. Peter was predeceased by his parents, Rev. Rollin J. and Phyllis Maynard Fairbanks; and his brother, R. Jonathan Fairbanks Jr. He is greatly missed by his wife, Pippa of Ware, England; his children, Antonia Sivyer (Zander), Mill Valley, CA, Anders Fairbanks (Miranda), Livermore, CA; grandchildren, Willa, Carolina, Skye, Quinn and Jane; sisters, Jennifer Davenport (Clark) of Lakewood, CO, Pamela Kirkpatrick (Rick) of Swansea, MA; former spouse, Cenita of Visby, Sweden; many nieces and nephews, and dear friends. Peter was an active participant in St. Thomas' Anglican Church, San Francisco, as well as St. Peter's Church, Roydon, England. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Thomas' Anglican Church, 2725 Sacramento St., San Francisco, CA 94115. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

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Published by Boston Globe from Mar. 23 to Mar. 24, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for PETER FAIRBANKS

11 Entries

Richard Piasecki

March 14, 2025

A real gentleman, I think of him every time I pass his former art gallery in San Francisco.

Dino & Suzanne Orlando

October 12, 2023

Our sincere condolences to Peter´s family. A great friend, mentor and business associate for many decades. His shared knowledge of art was always fascinating, inspiring and historically educational. A true scholar of art and its history.

Dino & Suzanne Orlando
Monterey, California

Ann Marenakos

October 5, 2023

Oh, how sorry I am to read that Peter has passed away. I knew Peter when my Dad and I had a number of marine art exhibitions at Montgomery Gallery in the 1980s. Peter was a wonderful man, easy to work with, bright, fun, engaging, and forever memorable. The art community has lost a great friend.
My sincere condolences to Peter's family. Ann Marenakos, Quester Gallery, Stonington, CT (1983-2006).

Uno Langmann

April 8, 2023

A fine human , with good humor, who has left too early. Uno Langmann

Barnaby Conrad III

April 3, 2023

I met Peter over 45 years ago when we were both in the New York Art World. I was a young whippersnapper journalis then and looked up to him. We got to be better friends when he came west to SF and made Montgomery Gallery a cultural icon in San Francisco. He was wise and had a great sense of humor, which he used to good effect in his role as an expert on Antique Roadshow. He was always kind and affable, and ultimately wise about many things. It was always good to see him at St. Thomas Church in SF and later on our Zoom services. Our heart goes out to dear Pippa and members of his family. Love from Barnaby, Martha and Jack

Helen Kippax

March 29, 2023

So sorry to hear! Lovely man whose path I crossed at Sotheby's and Doyle's. Sending best wishes to his family and comfort in their loss. He was way too young.

Kathryn Urban

March 26, 2023

I send my deepest sympathy to Peter´s family. He was a wonderful friend and mentor. Kathryn Urban

Linda Selvin

March 24, 2023

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Appraisers Association of America, please accept our deepest sympathies on Peter's passing. Peter was a valued member of the Appraisers Association since 1987. He will be greatly missed by his colleagues and friends.

Betty Krulik

March 23, 2023

Peter was an admirable and knowledgeable mentor and friend, a dedicated colleague, a longtime member of the Appraisers Association of American and fellow Antiques Roadshow appraiser. He was so much fun to be with. His good humor infectious. He will be missed. condolences to all his family, friends and admirers.

Polly Bredt

March 21, 2023

My husband Tom (recently deceased) and I always enjoyed meeting with Peter either at Montgomery Gallery or at our home. He was delightful, knowledgeable and so helpful as we perused a few art pieces. These will now be especially treasured in his memory.
Polly Bredt

Gaylord DIllingham

March 21, 2023

Wonderful friend and colleague gone way too soon. Gaylord DIllingham

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