Lobel Modern Moves to a New Showroom in the New York Design Center
Since 1998, Evan Lobel—founder of New York’s Lobel Modern gallery—has been championing the work of important mid-century designers, while serving as a vital resource for architects, collectors, and interior designers looking to acquire the finest modern furniture, lighting, art, and decorative objects. Earlier this month, Lobel moved to a spacious showroom in the New York Design Center on Lexington Avenue—a change that Lobel says has allowed the gallery to better merchandise and display their exquisite offerings.
Spanning about 3,500 square feet, the showroom is divided into seven rooms, which, according to Lobel, “Are stylized in a way that showcases the objects better. It’s a huge improvement.” The new location is also a boon for Lobel’s designer clientele. “Before we were a destination, now we’re right in the Design Center, making us an easy stop for designers who are in the building every week,” explains Lobel. “We’ve already seen a huge increase in designer traffic.”
Visitors to Lobel Modern can browse treasures from some of the twentieth century’s most skilled and influential designers, including Karl Springer, Gabriella Crespi, Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, Paul Evans, Vladimir Kagan, Tommi Parzinger, Edward Wormley, Harvey Probber, Milo Baughman, and Anzolo Fuga. “I like to mix periods,” says Lobel. “And I think a hallmark of my showroom has always been important pieces by designers from the 1940s to 1980s, presented in a way that highlights the beauty of that mix.”
To inaugurate the new space, Lobel will be displaying a selection of works by a number of mid-century heavy-hitters, including Karl Springer and Paul Evans, for the first time. “I’ve been saving these works for the opening,” says Lobel. “I’m very excited.” Lobel also saw the move as an opportunity to shed a number of pieces. Rather than send the works to auction, Lobel donated furniture and lighting by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Harvey Probber, Edward Wormley, and other luminaries, to Housing Works—a New York City-based nonprofit that supports men, women, and children living with HIV and AIDS.
The opening celebration continues at Lobel Modern on Thursday, September 22, with a special presentation of works by sculptor Kelly Keifer and painter Brady Legler. The event will coincide with What’s New, What’s Next—a showcase of new ideas, design, materials, and products, held annually at the New York Design Center. In addition to Lobel Modern’s exhibition, the event will include presentations, book signings, and panel discussions featuring some of the industry’s top designers, editors, and tastemakers.
Lobel Modern, New York Design Center, 200 Lexington Avenue, Suite 915, New York, NY 10016. Contact: info@lobelmodern.com/212.242.9075.