Herb & Dorothy- An Artsy Pair
Herbert Vogel (a postal worker) and his wife Dorothy (a librarian) managed to build one of the most important contemporary art collections all on a very modest budget. From the early 60′s, the pair started buying pieces of Minimalist and Conceptual Art from little known artists. They were able to afford these purchases by living on Dorothy’s salary and using Herb’s for the art purchases. Not only did they purchase art from little known artists, they befriended them as well making life long friendships.
Collecting over 2,000 pieces, their New York City apartment could not house all of their art collection. In 1992 they decided to donate a vast majority of their art to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC.
In 2008, the couple started a foundation called “Fifty Works For Fifty States”. They donated 2,500 pieces of art to 50 galleries in 50 states. Their collection had appreciated in value well into the millions. Amazing for a couple of modest beginnings.
Their love and appreciation of art is well depicted in this wonderful documentary, “Herb & Dorothy”.
http://www.hulu.com/watch/359601
Herb & Dorothy exemplify true art lovers and their appreciation for the craft was a life long passion. They stayed loyal to the artists they collected and never cared about making a profit.
Sadly, on July 22, 2012, Herb passed away at age 89.
Mr & Mrs Vogel have shown us what true appreciation for something you love is all about.
That’s such a touching story. Thanks for sharing. You don’t see people quite like this these days.
They are such a cute couple.. watch the movie if you can..well worth it!
That is amazing. I really don’t know what else to say.
They are such a cool couple..:-)
were
Very cool!
You might like this too.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/24/nyregion/in-new-york-sanitation-dept-garage-an-art-gallery.html?_r=1&hpw
indeed and I LOVE that story you shared.. how utterly cool is that
thanks so much for sharing!!
I’m definitely watching this. Spending all your wages to collect and support the arts, and then giving it away so others can enjoy it. That’s passion.
You really should watch it..they are so cool and wise as hell.. yes, they lived (she’s till alive) life fully!!
What a beautiful story of loving and Living. wow. It is humbling to have such examples, but also inspiring.
Thank you, Lynne. You find the best stories. ~ Lily
You are quite welcome Lily.. this couple exemplifies what it means to live with passion and be selfless in their giving.. a fine example of humanity!!
I was humbled by their generosity.
Me too..If you ever get a cjhance watch the docummentary link.. really worth it!!
Generous, loving and kind. Thanks for sharing this hopeful story.
You are most welcome. I like to share good things I find!!
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Figures Sir Clown I write a smart-assy post when you are telling your carnies what a wise & smart person I am..
Oi Vet!!
Lynne, I saw this couple recently on 60 minutes (I think it was). It was so cool and you could tell how much these two loved each other and shared that love of art. They could’ve made millions for that collection, but they instead just wanted a modest fee and share their collection with everyone. Loved this post.
Aren’t they the coolest folks.. They collected so much Art for the love of it, to support the artists and in the end gave almost all of it away for us to enjoy.. A rare set of people for sure..
thank you for the visit today!!
You’re most welcome, Lynne. I love your blog and I’ll be back!
Got here via our mutual friend, Monsieur Le Clown. Very cool and admirable couple. It’s sad that Herb has checked out, but he led such a long and productive life. At this point all I’m going to be remembered for is religiously recycling my trash. Gotta do something more with my time if I follow Herb’s lead and make it to 89.
Haha.. your recycled trash may end up being another man’s treasure. That’s what will irriate me (well I’ll be dead so really won’t know) is when i pass away i end up having something trhat is really valuable.. I need to check my stuff I guess.
I know, 89..very cool indeed!!!!
thanks so much for the visit today