Couple starts furnishing their apartment, ends up with high-quality collection and successful retail business.
Lloyd Macklowe, along with his wife Barbara, started their journey in the world of collecting and dealing with Art Nouveau decorative arts and antique jewelry in 1965. They began their venture with limited funds, even purchasing a Tiffany vase in $5 weekly installments. This small purchase sparked their passion for collecting, leading them to establish the renowned Macklowe Gallery in Manhattan in 1971. Over the years, the gallery became a prominent destination for affluent buyers seeking exquisite French Art Nouveau furniture, Tiffany lamps and glass, French cameo glass by Argy-Rousseau, Daum, and Gallé, as well as lithographs by Alphonse Mucha, bronzes, ceramics, and antique jewelry.
Lloyd Macklowe, who passed away at the age of 90 in September 2021, dedicated decades to curating a diverse collection of high-quality pieces that captivated collectors and art enthusiasts alike. His son, Benjamin Macklowe, took over as the president of the gallery in 2012 and continues the legacy of his father. The Macklowe Gallery’s specialization in 20th-century objects led to a groundbreaking invitation to exhibit at the prestigious Winter Antiques Show at the Park Avenue Armory in 1997, marking a significant milestone in the gallery’s history.
The Macklowe Gallery’s reputation grew as it became the leading dealer of authenticated lamps from the Louis Comfort Tiffany studio. Their exceptional pieces found homes in prestigious institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Australian National Gallery, solidifying their position as key players in the art world. The couple’s foray into collecting antiques was a stroke of luck, as they stumbled upon this passion while furnishing their own home with secondhand treasures advertised in The New York Times.
Today, the Macklowe Gallery continues to be a premier destination for discerning collectors seeking rare and exceptional Art Nouveau pieces, antique jewelry, and decorative arts. Under Benjamin Macklowe’s leadership, the gallery remains committed to upholding the legacy of his parents and offering a curated selection of exquisite objects that reflect the beauty and craftsmanship of bygone eras. With a rich history and a dedication to quality and authenticity, the Macklowe Gallery stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Art Nouveau and antique treasures.
Source: The NY Times
