Waterfall Mansion (Thursday Doors)

the doors
are silent, locked–
I inspect the inside
through the gated leafholes–
no waterfalls
are found

The doors to this building immediately attracted my attention as I walked across East 80th Street on my way to an appointment–besides the beauty of the ironwork, there was a door guardian. The plaque said it was an art gallery, and a peek through the gate confirmed that is was true. I took photos and went on my way.

My later research revealed The Waterfall Mansion’s rich history–it was the former home and studio of celebrity textile designers Leslie and DD Tillet. Originally purchased as an investment, realtor Kate Shin worked with architect Toshiko Mori to reimagine the space into a combined residence and gallery. She requested an interior waterfall, as the houses she grew up in, in Korea, all contained them. Thus the name Waterfall Mansion.

In the end, Shin decided to become a gallery owner and art dealer herself, and to keep the building, where she has created a community of artists and their work from all over the world. You can read more about the gallery on its website, here. And read more about the Tillets here.

I’ve written a badger’s hexastitch (thanks for the reminder Colleen!) for Tanka Tuesday with synonyms for quiet and seek.

And as always look for more doors at Thursday Doors, hosted by Dan Antion.