We read about this house a couple of weeks ago in the New York Times T Magazine and we can't get it out of our heads. Designed and built in the 1940's by architect Wallace K. Harrison and artist Isamu Noguchi, this summer house off the coast of Maine is not only an architectural gem, it's got a fascinating story behind it. Click here to read all about it. We're ready to move...(Photographs by Anthony Cotsifas).
13 comments:
it's beyond dreamy...
outstanding interpretation of the surrounding landscape. and a true modernist design that has withstood the test of time.
I'm so glad to see you featuring a house. It seems like ages since you have profiled a project.
Those living area bookshelves are fabulous. I love the look of that room!
a noguchi house! get out of town. the coffee table is on my "to acquire in my lifetime" list
The house contained a Noguchi, one of a kind, dining table. I've seen it in vintage photographs of the house. Unfortunately, it was lost in the devestating fire, what a horrendous loss. I'm so glad the owners rebuilt, the fire must of caused much sorrow...
Another photo and article about the Burden House and the Noguchi table:
http://thedowneastdilettante.blogspot.com/2010/03/modernism-in-maine-catch-this-article.html
Noguchi also designed a dining chair for the Burdens. He made a prototype for the Burdens approval, they rejected the design and went with the classic Eames DCMs. The chair was sold at auction awhile back for a surprising sum of money. The table, again, was priceless.
Thanks Anon. for letting us know about this other article. Just read it and it's fascinating!
More from the Burden Family.
Sothebys just auctioned off pieces from the New York Burden Apartment. Phillip Johnson designed the appartment which recieved quite a bit of press. Also, note the strong prices paid for American decorative arts, especially Nakashima!!
Check it out!!
http://www.sothebys.com/app/live/lot/LotResultsDetailList.jsp?event_id=29979&sale_number=N08622
Noguchi designed two sets of andirons for the Burden Maine house. Gratz Industries was the world class manufacturer. One set remained in the house, the other set was sold by a family member. The set sold by the family member sold for $152,500 at Christies December 2002 Sale. This should give some magnitude with respect to the loss of the dining table.
See below for photo of the andirons:
http://www.gratzindustries.com/image/tid/33
The other andirons were in the Burden fire. That was one expensive puddle of aluminum!!
Since the noguchi chair was never used in the Burden Maine house, it wasn't destroyed. It is now in the collection of some extremely astute person, I cannot find any information on the chair at this time. I do remember the photo, it looked much like a Arne Jacobson teardrop chair.
Again, the loss is beyond tragic!!
What a great feel of authenticity to this space!!
Like the use of Porthault sheets in a modernist house.
Outstanding and especially the bookshelves in the living area.
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