A s the founder of WYETH, the New York City institution that renewed the interest in all things mid-century modern, John Birch has an eye for discovery. He’s tౠhe kind of collector who sees the beauty in a vintage medicine ball just as he can identify a pristine Nakashima design from a glance. The name WYETH has become synonymous with Birch’s exceptio🤪nal aesthetic and collection which is particularly inspiring for how the various pieces work together in unexpected ways.
In honor of our upcoming , a rare offering of museum-quality mid-century pieces from the private WYETH Warehouse, we sat down for a conversation with Birch about everything design. From the surprising items that fill his home to the mid-century names eve🐭ryone should be collecting, here’s a glimpse inside the mind of one of the design world’s most celebrated talent༺s:
Since you opened your first gallery in Tribeca in 1994, how have your taste and interests evolved?
Without formal training and knowledge, you depend on pure instinct. In my opinion, a learned experience allows you to be more open and accepting to diversions tha🔯t you couldn’t have imagined.
Has it been particularly hard to part with specific pieces over the years?
Yes, all too often it is, although it’s never something obviou✤s. It’s usually a piece that’s unique, handmade, precious, and irrepl💙aceable.
Would we be surprised with anything you live with at home?
A JBL Metregon audio cabinet because it is solid, vintage Tannoy♔ s𝓀peakers because they are perfect, and McIntosh tube amplifiers for power, combined with tribal sculptures which are complementary to all of the above.
Any guilty pleasures?
Living near the beach.
You’re very adept at mixing everyday found objects, like vintage medicine balls and globes, with more refined pieces like George Nakashima. What are the do’s and don’ts for mixing high and low?
I set the standard for all objects of design primarily based on the highest quality of materials, construction, and design. It takes all three. The best quality items live well together, whether they are expensive or not. For instance, good tribal, great industrial, and 𒐪quality lighting can be a winning combination.
When we think of some of the markets you’ve championed, we think of designers like Wegner, Kjaerholm, and Wormley, but who are some of your favorite painters, photographers, and sculptors?
Isamu Noguchi, Ric🧜hard Serra, and Alberto ᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚGiacometti. I also love Cindy Sherman, Rachel Feinstein, John Currin, Clifford Ross, and Richard Prince.
What are three key pieces of modern design that you would recommend to a young collector to invest in?
A 🐻dining table, a low table, and a desk. If you visiꦏt our showroom, we can elaborate.
Besides Dunbar, who do you consider the best American mid-century manufacturers of furniture?
Bric𒁃kel Associates for Ward Bennett De🌟signs, vintage Knoll and art metal from numerous designers, and Cushman Furniture by Herman DeVries.
How about lighting and accessories?
The Ameꦺrican designer Cedric Hartman is the best lighting designer and manufacturer in modern history, including the past fifty years.
We know you love ceramics. Who are some lesser known or unsung heroes?
I love the Arabia Finland Studios ceramicists Rut Bryk and Micha🍃el Schilki🐻n.
How did your work as a gallerist evolve into that of a designer?
We strive to fulfill our clients’ desires and needs. There are voids in the vintage supply to🥂 satisfy the evolving demands of today’s interior ♔designer, so I design things that have never existed to fulfill those needs.
Can you please tell us what you’re working on now?
Great design with purpose.
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