Lawrence Van Gelder (February 17, 1933 – March 11, 2016) was an American journalist and instructor based in New York City. Over a career spanning decades he worked as a reporter, editor and critic, and became best known for his editorship of the Arts and Leisure weekly at The New York Times.
Career and roles
Van Gelder began his professional life in the mid-20th century as part of a vibrant New York newspaper scene. He held reporting and editorial posts at several prominent New York City newspapers, developing a reputation for clear, informed coverage of arts and culture. His assignments included general reporting as well as specialized criticism.
- New York Daily Mirror
- New York Journal-American
- World-Journal-Tribune
The New York Times and Arts coverage
Until 2010 Van Gelder was senior editor of the Arts and Leisure weekly section of The New York Times. In that capacity he oversaw coverage of theater, film, dance, visual arts and popular culture, and contributed reviews and features focused particularly on cinema. His work helped shape readers' understanding of cultural trends during a period of change for both the arts and the press.
Teaching, style and influence
In addition to newsroom duties, Van Gelder served as an instructor and mentor to younger journalists, offering practical training in reporting and criticism. Colleagues noted his attention to precise copy, balanced judgment and an ability to place individual works or events in broader cultural context.
Death and medical note
Lawrence Van Gelder died on March 11, 2016, at age 83. The cause was leiomyosarcoma, a form of soft-tissue sarcoma. Leiomyosarcoma is a rare cancer arising from smooth muscle cells; treatment and prognosis vary by tumor location and stage.
Van Gelder's career bridged the classic era of city newspapers and the modern national readership of digital journalism. He is remembered for his steady stewardship of arts coverage and for a long record of reporting and editorial work in New York's newsroom community.