Art Dealer Larry Gagosian Acquires BookHampton in East Hampton to Ensure Continuation of Reading Culture
In a surprise development, renowned art dealer Larry Gagosian has quietly acquired BookHampton, the cherished independent bookstore in East Hampton. The shop, a cornerstone of the community for decades, was formerly owned by Carolyn Brody, who announced last fall her intention to sell. Residents feared another luxury boutique would take its place. Instead, they welcomed Gagosian.
Gagosian, an 80-year-old Amagansett resident and regular bookstore patron, intervened. "The preservation of BookHampton was crucial, as it forms a vital part of the community," he told Page Six.
He has taken over operations and plans to maintain the store as a general-interest bookstore, albeit with a focus on art and design. With his gallery's history of publishing artist monographs, such as recent works by Richard Prince and Tom Wesselmann, this shift is well within his expertise.
Over the years, BookHampton has been graced by a succession of notable personalities, including Hillary Clinton and Ali Wentworth. With Gagosian now at helm, the bookstore embarks on a new chapter, one promising a significant shelf life.
The acquisition is expected to bring about notable changes in both the Hamptons' literary and art communities. The literary community can look forward to the preservation of a cultural institution, while the art community might witness a more pronounced intersection of art and literature within the community.
Gagosian's involvement could lead to Greater cultural enrichment, enlivening the Hamptons' status as a cultural destination. Local residents warmly welcome this development, appreciating the preservation of a beloved institution and the promise of a dynamic cultural environment.
In the anticipated changes, the Hamptons' lifestyle will be increasingly influenced by the arts, with a home-and-garden section potentially finding space on BookHampton's shelves, considered a natural extension of Gagosian's expertise. Furthermore, the art world seems poised to benefit from this intersection, as the gallery's extensive collection of books on artists like Richard Prince and Tom Wesselmann may now be accessible to a wider audience. Lastly, entertainment enthusiasts might find the merged art and literary environment intriguing, adding another compelling layer to the Hamptons' cultural identity.
