Master of Modern Sandy Smith

The Park Avenue Armory will again be the site of the New York Modernism Show, now in its 22nd year. The largest and most prominent show of its kind, the show's exhibitors include seventeen 1stdibs dealers, some of whom are first time participants who join other venerable dealers who have played a part in the show since its premiere in 1985. Beginning November 16th and running through the 19th, the show expects thousands of enthusiasts during its run. The New York Modernism Show was born of one man’s vision and his tireless enthusiasm for things Modern: Sanford “Sandy” Smith, the founder of the renowned show says proudly,” We were the first in the world with a 20th Century Design show – the originator, the prototype; every Modernism show anywhere in the world is patterned after us.

We decided to put on that first Modernism Show 22 years ago, because of what was obvious in my own American exhibit at the Fall Antiques Show; my collection embraced the American vernacular, ranging from folk art to cutting edge American. American decorative art dealers were becoming prominent with such people as John Henry Belter, and the Herter Brothers who designed furniture for the Armory when it was first built by Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan.

Talking to colleagues and other dealers, it became clear there was an underground movement of commercial interest in 19th and 20th century pieces. We decided the 19th and 20th centuries needed to be distinguished by their own show.”

Sandy remembers, “When modernism came around, I did an extensive advertising and marketing campaign which resulted in us having a line of  people that stretched from the giant front doors,
  down the staircase and around the block. None
 of those people really knew what we were talking about, so sales were pretty small – but by the next year, our dealers had sold out to the walls.”

The Modernism show continued annually through the years despite some rough patches – especially around 1990, when critics told Sandy to “turn the spigot off” because sales in contemporary American art had flagged due to the drastic downturn in the economy, but he and other stalwart dealers pressed on. "We kept doing the show even when we could fill less than 2/3rds of the Armory.”

To add to their troubles, immediately after 9-11, the city and the military took over all major venues including the Armory. The ever resourceful Sandy scouted and eventually leased the Hasbro Toy Building on 23rd Street and temporarily moved the show.

As the 2007 show nears, Sandy is proud that Modernism has become a favorite of young collectors. The period  has witnessed a complete renaissance in its popularity, as he says, “It is the hottest thing right now... no one is buying traditional brown furniture.”

Coconut Company
212-539-1940 • Constantin Von Haeften

Constantin Von Haeften of Coconut Company states, "This is our the first time exhibiting at the Modern Show; we consider it no finer time as we will be presenting some of the most important pieces in our collection.  It is exciting to participate in a show dedicated to the best in Modern."  With an important pair of chrome -plated iron armchairs attributed to Maison Jansen on display, the Hudson Street Store will further bring some of its exquisite and highly-collectible smalls.

DONZELLA LTD.
212-965-8919 • Paul Donzella

Known for his fluency in the iconic Mid-Century Masters, Paul Donzella of Donzella Ltd. will be presenting outstanding pieces from his collection: 2 magnificent canvases from Joe Concra – acclaimed for his large-scale Surrealist work; a pair of elegant legged cabinets by Paolo Buffa, and stunning bronze pieces by Alexander Loge.

Good Design
212-570-9914 / 917-907-2337

Gail Garlic of Good Design will present exceptional Italian furniture and Lighting from the 1950's to the 1980's. The leitmotif will be lighting as sculpture – with works shown by Roberto Aloi, Luigi Caccia Dominioni, Stilnovo, Gianfranco Frattini, Franco Buzzi, Paolo Buffa, Oscar Torlasco for Lumi and Franco Poli for Bernini.

Frederick P Victoria / Chez Soi
631-537-0496 1-212-813-9651 • Anthony Victoria

At Frederick P Victoria, owner Anthony Victoria's collection of rarified Italian Modern pieces will take center stage. Highlights include furniture exclusively procured for the New York show. Not to be missed is an important sideboard by Jospeh Maria Oldbrich, and an Italian oak sideboard that Mr. Victoria acclaims is "classically, stunningly Italian Modern."

Gilpin Robbins
718-855-1672

George Gilpin reveals, “This year at Modernism, I will have a wide-ranging selection of museum quality, iconic 20th century pieces. The hard-edge design of Charles and Ray Eames and Florence Knoll will be contrasted against the fluid abstraction of Paul Evans and father and daughter, George and Mira Nakashima." Also featured is the stark sculptural work of James Prestini with the wild, jeweled abstraction of Clare Falkenstein.

Lost City Arts
212-375-0500 • James Elkind

James Elkind of New York’s Lost City Arts is a long standing fan of the “venerable Sanford Smith.” He states, “I have eagerly anticipated every opening night of the Modernism Show as it is truly an icon – the first of its kind and continutes to set the highest standard for Modernism the world round.” Mr. Elkind's booth will present a monumental sculpture by Harry Bertoia.   Fine pieces by Phil Powell and Paul Evans will be highlighted. 

Liz O 'Brien
212.755.3800 • Liz O'Brien

This year Liz O'Brien will be including some exemplary pieces from her cache of treasures. Exquisitely carved furnishings highlight: A great chest of drawers in silver-leaf by Samuel Marx; silver and gold leafed tables by Max Kuenhy.  Lusterey, sensational jewelry by Claude Lalanne and Line Vautrine.
Lobel Modern, inc
212-242-9075 • Evan Lobel

In his debut at the Modernism Show, Evan Lobel presents an impressive collection of fine American 20th century furnishings including a pair of large “Dowelwood Armchairs” designed by Karl Springer, 1980‘s; a pair of Unicorn Chairs on polished aluminum pedistals with original glove finished leather designed by Vladimir Kagan, 1960’s; and a pair of X benches in steel with brass accents and fur seats designed by Karl Springer, 1970's.
Mr. Lobel is proud to participate amongst the show's assemblage of fine Modernist dealers and collectors.

Mark McDonald
518-828-6320

Mark McDonald’s booth is distinquished by a fantastic 6 panel mosaic Art Deco screen from a Miami Beach landmark hotel; one of the largest assemblages of  George Nelson’s comprehensive storage systems by Herman Miller; and a Rudolph Schindler partners desk. McDonald says, “We are really thrilled to be presenting such important works that define some of the great moments in the history of the decorative arts.”

Mondo Cane Inc.
212-219-9244 • Gregory Wooten & Patrick Parrish

Mondo Cane is excited to present a pair of extraordinary Tommi Parzinger  lacquered and studded cabinets, and a collection of Carl Auböck objects:  coat and magazine racks and numerous heretofore unseen pieces from this Austrian master.

Pascal Boyer Gallery
212-242-5594 • Pascal & Mary Boyer

A complete room from the home of a French vintner is the sensation at the booth of Pascal Boyer. M. Boyer informs, “This truly is an exceptional collection, commissioned by Raphael – the home of a Champagne maker. This is the first time the room has been shown anywhere – the Modernism show is its perfect premiere.”

Pavilion Antiques
773-645-0924 • Deborah Colman

First time exhibitor, Deborah Colman's booth will express her eclectic vision from her purchases of unique and typically non-commercial pieces. Ms. Colman explains, “I take the risk of buy interesting pieces by major French and Italian designers; My forte is lighting as sculpture, which will be on display at the show.”

R.E. Steele
631-324-7812 • Russ Steele

Russ Steele of R.E. Steele of East Hampton is a show favorite who never disappoints. For this year’s show he is bringing in 3 exceptional Oscar Niermeier chairs; a Charlotte Perriand sideboard in oak and mahogany; and a steel and marble Pace desk. Steele himself enthuses, “I’m looking forward to a great show!”

Skyscraper
212-879-2022 • Sandy Berman

Sandy Berman of Skyscraper has been an esteemed loyalist to the 22 year old Moderism Show regaling, “I have been here since the beginning and have never missed a show. I am proud to be part of the Modernism Show as it has raised the awareness of what is good 20th Century design. Sanford Smith’s Modernism Show is the perfect exhibition in that it is not so high-high-end that only 1% can afford to buy nor is it so low-low that people walk away with lesser quality pieces that do not represent the best of this style end period. This Modernism Show is backed by reputable dealers.”

Todd Merrill Antiques
212-673-0531

Sure to wow the crowd, Todd Merrill will present: a full-size Paul Evans sculpture-front console from 1965; a Paul Evans monumental sculpture for Phillip Powell; and extraordinary Francoise Chapuis screens decorated in opalescent resins.

Tom Thomas
212-688-6100 • Tom Thomas

Tom Thomas explores the tradition of metal-craft at his booth at the Armory. He will exhibit a rare handmade “proto-modern” table and chair from Rene Herbst (one of the founders of the modern movement in France) c. 1927. Also featured will be the "futurist modern" metal chairs of Pierre Abadie c.1988. Mr. Thomas says, “In analyzing these 2 groups, one sees that the definition of modern is mutable and always changing.”

2120
561-585-8371 • Charles Brown

Owner Charles Brown says he “wouldn't miss this show for the world.” The West Palm Beach dealer presents pieces that have never been shown prior to the New York show. It is a trip well worth the experience for Mr. Brown who has developed a cadre of dealer fans from both the U.S. and Europe. Mr. Brown is still convinced that this city and this show are de rigueur for the Modern collector.