A few years ago, on vacation in Utah, I bought a book about Michael Greer in a second-hand bookstore: a book in which a fan had pasted newspaper and magazine clippings of his work, about his death and the dispersal of his estate. Underlined rather touchingly in a clipping about the sale was the line "... it was Michael Greer's last big event, but he was not there."
Clearly, the previous owner of the book had some sense of personal loss when Greer was murdered in 1976 and on rereading the book the other night I began to wonder how many of Michael Greer's interiors still exist. Naturally, the same question occurred about the work of the decorators I've written about over the last few weeks, Kalef Alaton's interiors in particular. I also wondered if interiors, like gardens, are as transitory as their creators?
As ever with Kalef Alaton, the list of furnishings is impressive: Charles II-style oyster walnut and black lacquer chest on stand; a Qing celadon bowl; Régence-style chairs and chandelier; Paul Storr silver; Louis XV textiles; an Indo-Portuguese mother-of-pearl cabinet; Chinese lacquer screens; a Cy Twombly painting; a drawing by Balthus; an Ellsworth Kelly and Roy Lichtenstein's Modular Painting with Four Panels No. 6 and a stair rail as temptingly slidey to a grown man as it would be to a six year old boy. All juxtaposed with white linen covered sofas and chairs, against simple, clean-lined white-painted architecture and bleached wooden floors.
The dining room, a beautiful room with lacquer panels, gilded chairs, black granite, silver, crystal, exotic flowers and softly dramatic lighting, is a close as a 20th century decorator came to the spirit of a Baroque interior without creating a feeble copy of an historic room. Who would not want to be in this room - men in correct evening attire, women in scroopy silk, diamonds aglitter?
Who would not want to experience what, for me, is one of Kalef Alaton's most delicious of combinations - the needlepointed chairs flanking a table skirted in what looks like the softest of glove leather? Who could not want to sit there?
Name of photographer forthcoming but photos are from Architectural Digest, February 1987.
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Blue, what a find. I always love marginalia in used books ~ books loved and attended to. As for the house, I am dreaming of a long winter's nap in that bedroom.
ReplyDeleteHello, Janet - a long nap in that bed would work for me anytime. A room within a room, what could be better? The book about Greer had I feel been too loved by its owner to have been freely disposed of. Possibly it belonged to someone's estate and personal libraries are just collections of old books if the heirs don't value them. I've had a few chances to replace the book with one without addenda or marginalia but somehow it remains, unchanged.
ReplyDeleteHello Blue- I have met some of Kalef's former clients and their current designers and while I have not seen their homes there is always a hushed reverence when his name comes up. That said interiors can be like gardens in transition and sometimes as in the case of a Thomas Church garden they may be restored. Other times they are sadly lost. Best, Kendra
ReplyDeleteThese images are indeed full of devine inspiration, and incorporate the elements I love the most - classic pieces mixed with the best of modern, forming a sleek uncluttered look. It has not dated one iota.
ReplyDeleteKendra, it is to be expected that unless a client really values what they had and are prepared to refresh and renew rooms such as these, which to me seem, at this remove, to have historical significance, are gone. Sadly, the concept of once right, always right, has been eclipsed by pressure of aspirational marketing.
ReplyDeleteColumnist, polyphony is a musical term I know, but it applies very well to Mr Alaton's work. I'm perhaps posting too much about him but of everyone I've written about recently his is the most exciting and contemporary.
I'm stunned by the stairs and the room. I'm sure angels descend them: ladies in pretty dresses.
ReplyDeletei agree with Janet about the marginalia. It heights, not lessens, the reading experience for me. There is what it said, and then the handwriting itself that always touches me. As someone whose books and other collections will most likely find its way to stangers, I sometimes muse about what stories these things of mine will tell. Love the contrasts, the beautiful dramatic tension. I swoon at the leather/needlepoint contrast...and the fact the table is an altar to books until needed for dining. Another beauty, Blue.
ReplyDeleteI think you should pursue the Greer angle to see if any of his interiors do remain intact. It would not surprise me if they didn't; Greer died so long ago that few remember him (a sad fact that you are trying to remedy with your series.)
ReplyDeletePeak of Chic - that is precisely what I intend to do. Greer was a good, if grand, decorator and luckily for those of us who are interested his book is still available.
ReplyDeleteHome before dark - thank you. I so love that leather-skirted table with the needlework upholstery - delectable.
I remember seeing these- especially the first image(was it the cover?) and the leather skirt of course.All the rooms still hold up beautifully. It is fascinating about books-stories within the story of past owners-it is hard to remove them-I don't. thanks for keeping these designers living.
ReplyDeleteMany fabulous landscapes do not photograph well.
ReplyDeleteHow many beautiful interiors have you been in that do not photograph well?
Off topic, but not.
Garden & Be Well, XO Tara
That book: inside design,a fine book design in itself.One of my favorite lines in the book Greer states: for lightly probing minds!I grab up all the copies I come across...
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed rare to have a house done by a famous and gifted decorator last for many years.
ReplyDeleteIn her excellent blog:The Style Saloniste; Diane Dorrans Saeks shows Dodie Rosekranz's house in San Francisco done entirely by Michael Taylor and absolutely unchanged. A treasure, indeed!
What's your "Piece de resitance"? I, too, have this book, "Inside Design", and as an interior design student, find this book pleasing to read....a nice change of pace from all the college-bound design books. This book brings the fun back into design....makes me giggle! What do you "seasoned" designers think of Greer's book? A previous employeer gave the book to me......tells me he went to "art/design" school with him.
ReplyDeleteThe book is a marvelous tutorial sparkling with witty gems. Greer was my teacher long ago, over time I realize the value of his lessons all the more. His book is well worn and still on my shelves.
ReplyDelete