This gallery was a phenomenal find. It is one of the most striking, atmospheric spaces I have seen. The gallery, co-owned by partners Allan Reiver and Avi Kendi, is on the ground floor of a beautiful small building in Little Italy at 209 Elizabeth Street, a former bakery and firehouse. The floors are 17th century stone from France (in fact, Allan Reiver travels to France to acquire like for clients). A huge working fireplace is centerpiece with sofas and reading material. Magnificent windows frame the Elizabeth Street Gardens with its statues, which can be accessed from the gallery. The place is filled with fabulous architectural, sculptural, antique artifacts.Interesting note - by complete coincidence, one partner Avi Kendi, is married to a friend I have known for over 20 years. I was only allowed to take these photos after speaking to him. Many spaces in the city, particularly ones which have a creative decor or very unique displays/products are understandably sensitive to photos - idea theft is rampant - no need to make it easier. My thanks to them for the opportunity to take photos of this unique space - click here for more images. I suggest you visit while it is still under the radar ...
11 comments:
Gorgeous! I would like to visit in person...
Awesome! Looks just like europe inside...
This business is the NYC equivalent of the PBS show 'The Reclaimers'... where they scour the backroads of the south of France for carved stone fountains... buy them for £300 and then drive them back to the UK and sell them for £1500 a pop.
Must be a fun livelihood... lots of travel and antiques and art.
What a great place! Thanks for sharing your photos.
It really does feel like Europe.
Brian
It's so misterous... I imagine that room in the middle of the night...
what's the deal with the garden? owned by the gallery? i pass by and can never quite figure it out.
velvet sea;
Yes I believe the gallery controls the garden. Allan Reiver was involved with it before the gallery.
Brian
It looks like a dream I would like to be in.
This looks so cool! Great shot! Happy New Year from Houston Daily Photo!
This has always been the mystery garden to me. I have been subletting a studio in NY for 13 years in this neighborhood. Love your blog on NY. Have also been in #3 WSN and as a fan of Hopper it was an incredible experience. I have a jpeg of painting of 209 Elizibeth St I would like to send to you if you wish.
Thanks for a great blog, Stephen
Hi Brian,
I fell in love with the garden outside the gallery a few months ago, and haven't been able to forget it. I have wandered into the gallery a few times wanting to ask the gallery owners if I could photograph a model in the garden, but the owners weren't there. Since you mentioned you know someone connected, I just wanted to ask you if you have any suggestions. I am a young student photographer--you can see my photo blog: www.pia-inprogress.blogspot.com
If you have any suggestions on the best way to approach the owners, please let me know:
columbine.goldsmith@gmail.com
Thanks in advance for any suggestions you can offer. . .
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