Vogue's July '07 issue brings us an engaging portfolio from "The Mighty Penn," a.k.a. Irving Penn, who recently turned 90 and continues to be a living photography legend. In the piece celebrating Penn, the writer begins with a firsthand account describing the lamp that would go on to be one of the loves of his life:
"I was coming to work at the old Vogue studio, and I passed a junk shop on Third Avenue. It was a very long time ago - 1942, perhaps...This lamp was on the sidewalk. I was very taken with it, and the guy wanted to be rid of it. It cost nothing - a few cents, not even dollars. I carried it home with me. It's brass and has a very old-fashioned look."
His housekeeper is told never to polish it; and if it catches a little dust, that only makes the reflection more interesting. "It's the simplest kind of construction. When the bulb burns out, you get another. If I'm in bed, it's always next to me. It's a warm light, and somewhat warm in giving off heat. It's a wonderful thing."
The lamp is one object that Penn has never parted with. The stories that unfold in this article all sneak in mention of this prized lamp: how it's always on the left side of the bed (his side); how the dog would move near it when he was cold; how it was the first household item he set up each time he moved apartments.
What object can you equate with Penn's lamp in your own life? (We'd be hardpressed to pick just one...)
(- Excerpt from The Mighty Penn by Kennedy Fraser, July 2007 issue of Vogue); Image: cover shot, June 1950 by Irving Penn)
two gigantic sea shells i found on the beach about 10 years ago, and a picture of myself at 14 also at the beach with a giant inflatable whale
view svetla's profile
I have a tree stump I've moved with me since 1970. I found it lying on the side of a country road after ditches had been dug out. I liked the shape of the roots as they swirl randomly, it is still in my yard next to an old park bench.
view Alice's profile
Wow. Irving Penn.
I have two large forest green velvet pillows, with just a hint of olive about them. They are the first things I unpack. Always. Since they managed to weather the attacks of my now one-year old puppy, I believe they will be with me forever and ever.
view annalyssa's profile