A PASSIONATE PATRON OF THE ARTS

The Estate of Nancy Brown Negley Houston, Texas

An artist, philanthropist and ardent supporter of the arts, Nancy Brown Negley’s lifelong passion for historic preservation and for the arts left an indelible mark on communities throughout the world.

Nancy developed an appreciation for the arts and a commitment to giving back from a young age. She was born in 1927 to prominent Houstonians Alice Pratt and George R. Brown, whose construction company, Brown & Root Inc. became one of the largest in the world and positioned him as an important civic and political leader. In 1951, George and his brother, Herman, would go on to found The Brown Foundation, focusing on arts and education.

In 1948, Nancy earned her Associate’s Degree from Pine Manor College in Newton, Mass. The following year, she married Alfred W. Negley, a prominent rancher and businessman. The couple moved to A.S. Gage Ranch in West Texas, where they raised their three children. While ranching was far removed from her Houston childhood, Nancy loved horseback-riding and the cattle drives. With a capacious hunger for adventure, she enjoyed sport, wing shooting and flyfishing.

An avid traveler, Nancy spent much of her adult life in South Texas, Maine and the South of France. It was in France that she pursued her passion for art, focusing both on her own painting and on supporting other artists through the formation of an artist residency program.

After spending time at the American Academy in Rome and in Southern France, where she studied at the Lacoste School of the Arts, Nancy bought a home in Ménerbes, which overlooked a residence that Pablo Picasso had purchased for artist Dora Maar in 1944. After Ms. Maar passed away in 1997, Nancy purchased and renovated the home, transforming it into a space for hosting one- to two-month residencies for mid-career arts and humanities professionals.

Since its opening, The Brown Foundation Fellows Program at the Dora Maar House has hosted more than 300 fellows from more than 25 countries, with partnership and support from the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. In 2011, Nancy was recognized by the French Government with the Legion of Honor, Chevalier, for her contributions to the South of France and for her support of artists.

In addition to her work at The Brown Foundation, where she served as Chair of the Board in 19841988 and 2005-2009, Nancy was involved with a variety of cultural organizations, including the Whitney Museum of American Art, American Academy in Rome, Dia Art Foundation, Museum of Fine Arts Houston, San Antonio Museum of Art, World Monuments Fund, Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Art, and the McNay Art Museum, to name just a few. She was also the first woman to serve as Vice Chairman of the Texas Democratic Party.

Nancy passed away peacefully in July 2022, leaving behind a legacy of philanthropy, enthusiasm, optimism and devout dedication.

New Orleans Auction Galleries is honored to offer fine art, furniture and more from the Estate of Nancy Brown Negley.