Dark Room

Art Dealer Murdered

The battered body of Russell Landy, 44, was found in the stockroom of his art gallery in Chelsea last night by his wife, Jane Landy, 24. He was still alive when the ambulance reached him but died on the way to the hospital. Mrs. Landy, who is three months pregnant, is said to be deeply shocked. She had waited for over an hour for him at Le Garrodie, where they were to have dinner together, but when he didn't arrive, took a taxi to the gallery to look for him. She was alone when she found him. Doctors say he probably had been attacked some 1-2 hours previously and might have survived had he been discovered sooner. The gallery was ransacked and several of the more valuable paintings stolen. Police believe Mr. Landy may have disturbed the robbers. A sledgehammer was recovered from the scene. Russell Landy was a relative newcomer to the art world. His gallery, Impressions, opened less than four years ago and specialized in the minimalist work of young painters such as Michael Paggia and Janet Hopkins.

Daily Telegraph extract * 2 February, 1984

Jane Landy Loses Baby

Two weeks after the murder of her art dealer husband. Russell Landy, Jane Landy has suffered a second tragedy. It was announced yesterday that she has lost the baby she was expecting. She is said to be distraught. Police are no nearer finding the murderer of her husband.

Daily Telegraph extract * 18 February, 1984