Built in 1877, the Whitney Studio originally served as a carriage house until its conversion in 1907 to a studio and private salon for sculptor and arts patron, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney. As the eldest daughter of Cornelius Vanderbilt II, Whitney was well-known for stepping out of her society role to create art and advocate for fellow American artists. In 1918, she commissioned American artist and close friend, Robert Winthrop Chanler to design the space. Today, it is one of the few remaining examples of twentieth century decorative art.
Whitney's work to showcase American art at the studio spurred the modern art movement in the United States, and in 1929 the space became the original site of the Whitney Museum of American Art.
The Whitney Studio is owned and operated within the larger complex of the New York Studio School (NYSS) and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1992 and later listed on the World Monuments Fund's 2012 Watch list. Since becoming stewards of the studio, the NYSS has sought to restore and repair damage to the historic landmark, while fulfilling its primary mission of arts education.
Today, the studio stands in need of a $2.2 million restoration as a result of considerable deterioration caused by water infiltration and numerous over-painting campaigns. The exterior of the studio is also in poor condition due to cracks and water damage in the ceiling and walls. Along with the designation of the Whitney Studio, the National Trust has also made a $30,000 grant to the NYSS and will work with the school to raise additional funds to fully restore and stabilize the space. To donate to the campaign to restore the Whitney Studio, visit www.savingplaces.org.