I often find myself sipping white wine and eating shrimp cocktail in the living room of my good friends Susan and Rich Lobel of Brooklyn Heights. It is one of my favorite places. Not only are the Lobels (and their two very charming and talented children) so hospitable but they occupy three stories of a brownstone that was masterfully renovated and designed by architect Brendan Coburn and Joseph Smith of Coburn Architecture in 2005.
Both Susan and Rich have a great eye for furniture and art. One evening when I invited myself over once again–sipping on vodka this time–I discovered a new painting adorning the wall above their piano. I knew it had to be something special. I felt even more excited than when I’ve scored at a flea market or at an auction.
Sure enough, the painting which is plastic and oil on canvas, was an original mid-century piece done in 1959 by Herbert Ferber. Ferber is known for his sculpture but was also a serious painter. His work was part of the early Abstract Expressionist movement in post World War II America and was exhibited alongside the work of de Kooning and Pollock, among others.
The piece was purchased by Susan’s mother (who still goes antiquing at Brimfield every year, you go girl!) from Knoedler Gallery in New York. When Susan’s mom recently moved to a smaller place the painting went to Susan and Rich.
So now my favorite place is even more special. It’s like having your own private museum without paying the price of admission.
PS. They have two of Ferber’s outdoor sculptures on their property in Woodstock, New York. Guess who’s coming to visit this summer!
