Thursday, September 13, 2007

Stable 1897

A piece by Michael Gibson hangs behind a Duncan Phyfe dining table. The inlaid commode is 17th century.




Artist Carolyn Carr in her home/studio, Stable 1897. (From Paper City, May 2006. Article "From Horse Stable, to Art Stable; The Evolution of a Loft" by Brooke Hortenstine)

Layers of contemporary art and family heirlooms make up the loft residence of artists Carolyn Carr and Michael Gibson in the Castleberry Hill neighborhood of Atlanta. Built in 1897 as a stable and feed supply, the 16,000 square foot building has had many lives in the 100 years previous to Carr and Gibson's inhabitance, one of which as a brothel and speakeasy.

Initially overwhelmed with the empty space, Carr dialed up designer Vincente Wolf (whom she had never met) for some decorating advice. Graciously, Wolfe took the call and told her to hang curtains and paint the walls with Benjamin Moore.

10 years later, Carr and Gibson's purchase of the building has given a lot back to the historic neighborhood, as well as the Atlanta art scene. Approximately half of their two story building is rented out to other artists while the street level exhibition space "Garage Projects" raises the doors during the monthly Castleberry Hill Art Stroll.

9 comments:

72 and sunny said...

wow, can you imagine, just asking vincente de wolfe, whom you don't really know, some decorating advice? that's so great. fame is so relative!

Brilliant Asylum said...

Yes, Vincente's stock went way up with this news.

Style Court said...

Thank so much for sharing. I missed this one.

ALL THE BEST said...

Thanks for the introduction to Carolyn Carr, I love her work!!! The Vincente story is so great!!!

The Peak of Chic said...

I remember when this article came out- it is such a great home. On the one hand, it was not what I expected for Carr and Gibson. However, with all of her wonderful inherited pieces, I think it was a great way to incorporate them- all done with a bit of an edge! Thanks for reminding me of this home!

Brilliant Asylum said...

I love it when residents can marry modern and historic pieces--a look for which I am constantly striving.

I especially commend their bravery for being urban pioneers. My husband rented studio space in Stable 1897 for a few years ago and it was such a warm environment in the middle of desolate, downtown. The history of the building speaks volumes.

P.S. I highly recommend an Art Stroll to anyone who has never been.

cotedetexas said...

Yes, I've been thinking about calling Mario Buatta, you know, just to shoot the sh*t with him about his favorite shade of yellow.


too funny!!!!!! There has to be more to that story, I don't believe it on face value - or IS v.w. really that nice????? You know, maybe he is. Somehow I don't Buatta would take my call.

JOni

Anonymous said...

it must be nice to be born rich.

Anonymous said...

Carolyn does amazing work. I love her style. Huge fan.

-Zane of ontario honey