BookHampton, the long-standing impartial bookstore in East Hampton, New York has a brand new proprietor—one with deep roots within the space and the artwork world: Larry Gagosian. The legendary vendor and longtime resident of Amagansett, New York, bought the store, which has change into a landmark for locals and vacationers.
Gagosian’s acquisition follows final fall’s announcement from Carolyn Brody, who purchased the shop in 2016, that she deliberate to promote. The information sparked concern amongst locals who feared the area is likely to be transformed into a series or luxurious boutique. As an alternative, Gagosian has indicated that he intends for the native stalwart to stay a general-interest bookstore, with plans for a delicate shift towards artwork and design titles.
“I’ve lived in Amagansett for 35 years and at all times liked the truth that Fundamental Avenue in East Hampton had an exquisite impartial bookstore,” Gagosian advised Web page Six, which broke the information earlier this week. “BookHampton is a vital a part of the neighborhood, and I felt it was essential that it was preserved.”
Although no main programming adjustments have been introduced, Gagosian’s plans embrace sustaining the shop’s neighborhood orientation whereas drawing on his gallery’s publishing arm for extra choices. The 80-year-old gallerist has a longtime historical past in artwork publishing, having launched monographs by artists together with Richard Prince, Helen Frankenthaler, and Cecily Brown.
BookHampton was based by George Caldwell and Jorge Costello, domestically referred to as “the Georges,” in 1971. The native bookstore has weathered a number of adjustments in its historical past, together with three completely different places and 4 homeowners earlier than Gagosian.
“I really feel assured that he’ll carry BookHampton into the longer term, whereas preserving and defending its nearly 50-year legacy,” Brody wrote in a e-newsletter, as reported by the East Hampton Star. “Within the [face] of sturdy market stress, an impartial bookstore will stay on Fundamental Avenue. Not a small feat!”
