Over the weekend, a vibrant community of artists and designers gathered at the Point Richmond Gallery to celebrate the artworks of Stanley Abercrombie– renowned architect, writer, and artist. This event was about more than admiring art; it was a recognition of the indomitable spirit of a man who helped shape the world of interior design.
Stanley Abercrombie started his architecture journey working for esteemed architectural firms including Marcel Breuer & Associates in New York and John Carl Warnecke's office. While practicing architecture, Abercrombie began writing contributions to the Wall Street Journal, which kickstarted his career in publication. In 1953, he began as Senior Editor at Architecture Plus and then continued his editorial career as Senior Editor at the AIA Journal. This marked the onset of his influential tenure as Editor-in-Chief of several design magazines, beginning with Interiors, then Abitare in America, and ultimately, Interior Design, where he served for 14 years.
As if that was not impressive enough, Abercrombie remained deeply engaged in academia and the broader architectural community. He lectured at the Smithsonian Institution, curated notable exhibitions like "Industrial Elegance" at the Guggenheim Museum SoHo in 1993, and served as a visiting critic at numerous architecture and design schools. He also authored a dozen books and penned over 1,500 articles published in 46 different magazines and newspapers, cementing his reputation as a prolific writer and thought leader in the field.
As guests entered the gallery space, they were immediately enveloped in a kaleidoscope of colors and images. Abercrombie’s numerous works adorned the walls, shelves, and even lined the floor, creating an immersive experience for visitors. His art was an eclectic collection of drawings, paintings, and collages. Some artworks seemed reminiscent of his architectural career, showcasing meticulously drawn elements and motifs of iconic furniture. Other artworks exuded a sense of spontaneity and experimentation. Against this backdrop of vibrant colors and striking compositions, guests mingled, sharing anecdotes and insights inspired by Abercrombie's illustrious career.
Leading the evening's proceedings was none other than Tom DiRenzo, CRI's Director of A&D, whose deep admiration for Abercrombie's contributions to the field was evident. With sincerity and warmth, Tom organized his opening remarks into three “thank you’s.” He began, “Stanley, I first want to thank you as an artist. I know that your art truly comes from within and that showcasing it in this format can be extremely vulnerable. So thank you for your bravery and your generosity in sharing your art.” Stanley humorously responded, “Well, thanks for looking at it.”
Tom continued, “Next, I want to thank you for what you have done for our profession. You have created standards for interior design, you showcased the power of interior design, and you helped launch many careers and companies who may have not received the recognition they deserve otherwise. And that is very powerful.” Stanley quipped, “Thank you, Tom, because I am going to leave this event with a much higher opinion of myself than when I came in.” The room erupted with laughter.
Tom concluded, “Lastly, thank you for showing all of us that no matter what stage of life you’re in, there’s always another stage. There’s always more to be done. You have established this amazing career and now you’re here showcasing your art, and that is more inspirational than you realize.”
The art reception was not just a showcase of talent; it was a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on an entire community. As attendees departed, there was a palpable sense of renewed purpose and possibility. For in honoring Stanley Ambercrombie, attendees had reaffirmed their commitment to embracing change, chasing their dreams, and never being done—just like the man himself.
You can see Stanley Abercrombie’s works on display at Point Richmond Gallery from now until April 7th.
