Brooklyn Navy Yard Opens a Treasure Trove of Design Rarities
In a city laden with iconic museums like the Cooper Hewitt and the Brooklyn Museum, discovering design rarities is a quest often left unfulfilled. However, a secret archive nestled in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, spearheaded by R & Company‘s co-founders Zesty Meyers and Evan Snyderman, promises an exploratory experience into the world of exclusive and collectible design. Their long-time storage facility, known as Building 86, is now open by appointment, offering enthusiasts a rare peek into decades of unique collections.
This expansive 16,000 sq ft warehouse, once a machine shop, showcases a mix of archival and contemporary treasures. The items are purposefully arranged without order, encouraging visitors to explore and stumble upon artifacts as if on a serendipitous journey.
An Enchanting Journey through Design Innovations
1. ‘Sluggo’ Lamp by Wendell Castle
Renowned for his woodworking, Wendell Castle’s infrequent detour into fiberglass gives birth to the ‘Sluggo’ lamp. Inspired by the vibrant hues of hot rods and ‘The New Domestic Landscape‘ at MoMA, this sparkling blue piece is both a tribute to automotive culture and an homage to cartoon surrealism.
2. Modular Cat Toy by Verner Panton for Naef
A quirky artefact of playful design, this modular cat toy challenges even adults with its interlocking cubes. Produced by Swiss toymaker Naef, its complexity saw it discontinued. Yet, it remains a coveted item among collectors for its rare ingenuity and original packaging.
3. ‘African’ Chair by Garry Knox Bennett
This intricate chair fuses furniture with jewelry art through hand-hammered silver nails. A hallmark of Bennett’s craftsmanship, it showcases his flair for combining metals with eccentric woodwork—a testament to his talent and bold character.
4. Flat File by Poul Kjærholm
Poul Kjærholm’s flat file is a remarkable feat of Danish cabinetry. With pine handles crafted to perfection, it finds affinity with art collectors, resonating with Kjærholm’s philosophy as an “interior architect.”
5. ‘Paramount’ Lamp by Lapo Binazzi
Lapo Binazzi’s satirical take on Hollywood manifests in this ‘Paramount’ lamp, crafted with ceramic bases and custom umbrellas. Known for integrating traditional Florentine craftsmanship, Binazzi’s work bridges the radical design era with artisanal flair.
6. Model 4088 Table Lamp by Joe Colombo for Kartell
This rare Joe Colombo creation, a tribute to the colourful pop era, features a dynamic rotating top. It is a masterpiece for enthusiasts of inventive, avant-garde lighting.
For those interested in avant-garde lighting, explore how virtual worlds inspire a design revolution for a whimsical design journey.
7. ‘Codependent’ Light Fixture by Katie Stout
Katie Stout’s ‘Codependent’ light fixture embodies youthful exuberance in its whimsical design. Each shade melds unique forms, creating a dazzling art piece rich in narrative and craft.
8. ‘Elephant Skin’ Candelabra by The Haas Brothers
The Haas Brothers’ bronze candelabra, dubbed ‘Elephant Skin,’ captivates with its grand Gothic presence and intricate texture resembling folded skin. A stunning example of their early work, it highlights their exceptional detail and creativity.
9. Five-piece Sectional Sofa by Roberto Matta
Roberto Matta’s sectional sofa transforms living spaces into interactive environments. This surrealist sculptural piece, made by Gavina and later Knoll, invites playful reconfigurations and stands as a multilayered artwork.
10. Bed by Joaquim Tenreiro
Showcasing Tenreiro’s unparalleled woodcarving prowess, this single bed features caning and elegant tapered boards. Revered as Brazil’s master craftsman, Tenreiro’s pieces epitomize fine artistry from the mid-20th century.
Dive further into collectible art by discovering Heather Castles’ pop culture transformations, offering a fusion of nostalgia and creativity.
Explore Building 86 by appointment and uncover stories encoded in each object, celebrating the evolution of design in an experience not bound by the conventional confines of exhibition spaces.
Sources & Links
Source: wallpaper.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of Building 86?
Building 86 is a storage facility open by appointment, offering enthusiasts a rare peek into decades of exclusive and collectible designs.
What is unique about Wendell Castle’s ‘Sluggo’ Lamp?
The ‘Sluggo’ Lamp, created by Wendell Castle, is unique because it represents Castle’s infrequent use of fiberglass and is inspired by the vibrant hues of hot rods and ‘The New Domestic Landscape’ at MoMA.
Why was Verner Panton’s modular cat toy discontinued?
Verner Panton’s modular cat toy was discontinued due to its complexity, but it remains a coveted item among collectors for its rare ingenuity and original packaging.