About the Harry Dunn Gallery

Chester county native Harry Dunn was a uniquely versatile artist who was extremely successful in the worlds of both fine and commercial art.

Born in West Chester, Harry began drawing and painting as a boy, and his love for the arts continued throughout his life. He attended the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia College of Art, and the Art Students League of New York; he also benefited from extensive
exposure to the Brandywine school of painting, and although his work is far from traditional, his varied styles easily complement both classic and modern collections, bringing a fresh and whimsical perspective to conventional subjects. His work remains widely sought after and valuable.

Design was an important facet of Dunn’s work, which led to his extraordinary success in the commercial world. There was very little in the field that he did not undertake, including designing opening graphics for The Hit Parade and The Dave Garroway Show on 1950s television, along with design work for clients including Scott Paper, Yale & Towne, National Distillers and Villager Sportswear. He also worked on promotional films and directed full-length motion pictures and slide presentations for private and business concerns. Dunn’s work was featured on the covers of House & Garden, Fortune, and The New Yorker.

And one of his most recognizable designs is the NBC Peacock, which he helped develop when color programming became dominant.

Those living in the Delaware Valley in the 1960s and 70s might remember seeing his murals at local hotels, apartment buildings, and banks. Many local businesses had Dunn design their logos, posters, and menus.

And his legacy continues through the Harry Dunn Memorial Art Scholarship, created through his generosity and support for young artists. It is awarded annually to generations of aspiring Chester County high school students.

Harry Dunn passed away in 1998, but his work and legacy live on through friends and collectors with many thanks to Joe and Sandy Riper, owner’s of Sunset Hill Fine Arts Gallery.

The Fine Arts Gallery above Sunset Hill Jewelers showcases the perfect marriage of all things beautiful and precious.

When the building was purchased and the jewelry store opened on the first floor in May of 1983, the second and third floors were not being used. The second was carpeted and lit, but empty, just waiting for a purpose.

At the party celebrating the opening, family friend and renowned Chester County artist Harry Dunn immediately foresaw that purpose – and the Fine Arts Gallery was born. Harry’s prolific talent, expertise and reputation in the arts community was integral to the gallery’s growth and success, with exhibits of his work – as well as that of over 250 local artists – shown and sold over the years.

Not long after the gallery became a reality, Harry (along with Sunset Hill Jewelers owner Sandra Riper) initiated Gallery Walk in West Chester, again connecting commerce and creativity all over town. Twice a year, on the first Friday in October and May, stores and restaurants stay open later to show and sell the work of local artists, along with their own wares. Gallery Walk has become a festive occasion and an important part of the town’s strong community spirit.

Harry was also responsible for another Gallery tradition: the annual holiday Miniature Show. It began with a collection of his smaller pieces at Christmas time, and it has continued every year, exhibiting a varied collection of “mini” paintings and drawings from as many as 20 local artists,
exhibited November through December.

Sunset Hill Fine Arts Gallery is now a widely known and sought-after gem in the community’s cultural life, drawing people from near and far to enjoy admiring beautiful things… perhaps to take home for themselves or give to others.

We hope you’ll stop by often to do just that… at Sunset Hill Jewelers and Fine Art Gallery.