I was recently discussing the late Philip Johnson with my friend, Keith. He was fortunate enough to have visited Johnson's Glass House when it first opened to public, while I hope to make the pilgrimage this year. The conversation reminded me of a May, 1934 House & Garden article which profiled the Manhattan duplex of Johnson. According to the article, the duplex (which, by the way, he shared with his sister) was comprised of the two upper floors of a townhouse located on East 49th Street.
When Johnson bought the apartment, the lower floor was divided into a two story studio living room, a reception hall, another small room, and a kitchen. The bedrooms were located on the upper floor. Johnson tore out the walls between each room on the lower floor (with the exception of the kitchen), effectively creating one large room. Where the walls once stood, though, Johnson installed curtains that helped to delineate the spaces. What's interesting is that Johnson chose different colored fabric for each set of curtains. Johnson typically left the curtains half drawn so as to give "a vista the entire length of the apartment." If he were to entertain large groups, the curtains were left wide open. In the photo above, you can see how the apartment's lower floor looked when all of the curtains were open.
Pale ecru linoleum was used throughout the apartment to create a sense of continuity. Johnson chose a dull white plaster finish for all of the walls and ceilings so as to give the appearance of lightness. The furniture included now classic pieces like the Barcelona daybed, chairs, and ottoman by Mies van der Rohe.
On a Philip Johnson related note, Birch Cooper of Birch Books has recently written a book profiling Johnson's library at the Glass House. The book includes photographs of 100 different volumes found in Johnson's library as well as a complete inventory of the titles located at the Glass House. All proceeds from the book will go towards conservation efforts of Johnson's library at the Glass House. For more information on Cooper's book, please click here.
The two-story living area that was at one end of the open space.
When drawn, blue serge curtains between the reception hall and the living area created privacy for dining.
The view from the study, looking towards the reception hall and then to the living area beyond. Curtains were also hung along the exterior walls to cover the floor to ceiling windows.
All photos from House & Garden, May 1934.
Thursday, January 05, 2012
Philip Johnson's Curtain Call
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It is interesting how most of the dramatic and attractive effect comes from the design conception, using what could be inexpensive materials. The curtain idea is something to keep in mind, and probably worked for the Johnsons, but many people would prefer the sound-blocking solidity of real walls for families in which many kinds of activities could be going on at once.
ReplyDelete--Road to Parnassus
I loved reading about how Johnson organized and hosted Rosamond Bernier's wedding at the iconic house in the 70s. Just imagine it!
ReplyDeleteParnassus- I agree that most of us would prefer having real walls separating our rooms. Johnson's apartment had to have been pretty novel and daring for 1934.
ReplyDeleteCourtney- I'm dying to read that book and hope to do so soon!
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know until what date Johnson lived here?
ReplyDeleteClassicist, I'm afraid that I don't know the answer to that. Anyone?
ReplyDeleteI love the elegance and simplicity Johnson was able to create in his spaces. I have always been particularly interested in the rooms modern or minimal designers create for themselves. Beautifully designed furniture, fabrics, books, and art. What else does one need? Johnson's immaculate personal taste and posh yet classic style remains decades later in the rooms he once occupied.
ReplyDeleteThe Glass House tour (which also included his library, painting and sculpture galleries) was one of the most inspiring tours I have ever taken.
Well, I certainly don't know the answer--actually, I am just signing on to say thank you. For someone like myself who loves learning, this post was a big treat. Merci!
ReplyDeleteThank you Provence! Very kind of you :)
ReplyDeleteBirch, Congratulations on your recent book. It's such an interesting concept!
ReplyDeleteInterestingly, the furniture arrangement in the Living Room space is very similar to that at the Glass House.
ReplyDeleteThe audacity of Philip Johnson had few limits. This apartment was actually done by Mies van der Rohe for Johnson in 1930-31. It was displayed at the MOMA International Style in 1932, credited to Mies. Some drawings are in the MOMA collection: http://www.moma.org/collection/browse_results.php?object_id=118961
ReplyDelete