Preserving the Legacy of Architect Andrew Geller
Pearlroth House, Westhampton Beach, New York, 1958 (Courtesy Jake Gorst)
[ Editor's Note: Jake Gorst, documentary filmmaker and grandson of Andrew Geller has submitted this guest post relating preservation efforts to save the architect's archive. ]
Efforts are currently underway to catalog and preserve architect Andrew Geller’s architectural archive, which consists of hundreds of drawings, thousands of photographs and pieces of correspondence, and several scale models. To preserve this archive, a film on Geller’s work and the preservation process is currently under production. The archive will ultimately end up at an academic facility for future generations to study.
Elizabeth Reese House, 1955, Sagaponack, New York (Courtesy Jake Gorst)
Geller is best known for his freelance iconic mid-century beach house architecture along the coasts of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. His 1955 Elizabeth Reese House, built in Sagaponack, New York, was widely publicized and is credited with propelling the A-frame structure into mainstream American culture. His 1958 Pearlroth House in Westhampton, New York, has become a well known symbol of mid-century vacation living. As vice president of Raymond Loewy’s Housing and Home Products division during the 1960s he was also responsible for several innovative vacation and prefabricated housing concepts, including the widely publicized “Leisurama” homes of Montauk, New York.
The initiative is being crowd-funded through Kickstarter campaign. As an incentive to participate, contributors can earn Geller home tours, limited edition books, copies of the completed film, and other items. For more information, click here and make your contribution to preserve this important archive.
Pearlroth House, Westhampton Beach, New York, 1958 (Courtesy Jake Gorst)
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- Elizabeth Reese House, 1955, Sagaponack, New York (Courtesy Jake Gorst)
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- Elizabeth Reese House, 1955, Sagaponack, New York (Courtesy Jake Gorst)
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- Pearlroth House, Westhampton Beach, New York, 1958 (Courtesy Jake Gorst)
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- Andrew Geller (Courtesy Jake Gorst)
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- Elizabeth Reese House, 1955, Sagaponack, New York (Courtesy Jake Gorst)
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- Elizabeth Reese House, 1955, Sagaponack, New York (Courtesy Jake Gorst)
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- Pearlroth House, Westhampton Beach, New York, 1958 (Courtesy Jake Gorst)
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- Pearlroth House, Westhampton Beach, New York, 1958 (Courtesy Jake Gorst)
8 Responses to “Preserving the Legacy of Architect Andrew Geller”
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Gellers works are treasures, especially to the Long Island community. It so great to see that his work will be preserved for future generations to study and enjoy his unique design aesthetic. Great work Jake.
This is a unique opportunity to preserve an entire body of work as a resource for future architectural students. As a lover of mid-century design I’m thrilled to see these iconic beach houses being brought to the attention of a much wider audience. Go Geller!
I agree entirely with the previous emails and believe that thy among the most creative structures built on the east coast. They are every bit as important as say those by John Johansen or Bruce Goff!
This is such an important project. Andrew Geller’s work, to be preserved for future generations, is a wonderful gift for those who will learn and grow from it. Thank you Jake Gorst!
The preservation of Andrew Geller’s iconic architectural gems will enable future generations to appreciate and explore the wonders. Thanks Jake for all your hard work.
Andrew Geller’s Long Island works are wonderful regional adaptations of mid-century modernism, every one of them beautifully sculptural, whimsical and unique. The work of this influential modernist deserves to be preserved, catalogued and shared with the world. Jake Gorst is carrying this mission in a laudable way, and deserves all the support the rest of us can give him. Great job, Jake!
This will be a great resource; thank you so much for all your hard work!
Just read about the passing of Mr Geller. I didn’t personally have the pleasure of knowing him but I am fascinated by his work, which I just discovered while ready his obituary in the NYT. Best of luck to those who are preserving his legacy.