Please go to our new link for Wyeth.
THANKS FOR THE PIC, PATRICK! A reader recently wrote in asking for a review of this store, and though we haven't been there in a long time, we thought it a very good idea to put it up and collect reader's more recent opinions.
Before Wyeth moved over to west Spring street, we used to walk off the street and ogle the super cool industrial chic objects, lighting, machinery and furniture that seemed custom ordered for a huge SoHo Rockstar loft. Prices were sky high, but you expected that, and the style was unrivalled. Now, Wyeth is hidden behind smoky dark windows and you are asked to make an appointment before you come (the staff is very nice, however has been nice on the phone when we've called). We hear it's still worth the effort.
NY Mag says: Items at this glamorous store may be very old (2,000-year-old sculptures from the Nok tribe of Nigeria), very big (a mammoth metal-and-glass lamp from an old dentist�s office), or very exotic.
And here: Wyeth�s quirky collection of vintage classic-modern furnishings offers standout items like a cast-iron work table salvaged from a factory�perfect for funkier kitchens and dining rooms.
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Comments (3)
Obviously after reading the comments here on this page most of you who have left comments dont know a thing about John Birch. First no man can control the actions of others. Secondly jealousy is all I see here. I live in Oklahoma and I have been dealing with this man for almost 15 years almost every month. This man has either created or help to create the MONSTER industry that modernism has become. He is one of the easiest men to deal with. I have dealt with almost every modernist dealer in the country dating back to 50/50 in 1986 so I DO know the people of this business. He has the most incredible eye in the world. If you are buying any Danish modern or Scandanavian art pottery you can bet your ass he made and created the want and need in that market. If you are interested in solid turned wood objects you can bet he was the first. This list can go on and on. In 15 more years when you catch up he will have long been onto something else. IF THE MASSES have it HE will not touch it with a 10 foot cattle prod. HE IS THE LED ZEPPLIN of modernism. If you want to learn something and not run your un-educated lips then pay attention to this man you will learn so much it is not funny and I dont just mean Modernism. If you want to learn how to conduct business and be at the top of the game then look to this man. He sets the best examples I have seen from any business man. One thing for sure he would never verbalize or put down in writing anything derogatory of any person. Even when I was a newby years ago in OKC he took my calls and treated me as a top pro in NYC from day one. If you are a long time modernist dealer that has actually done business then you know HE is the one we all look up to and admire with respect for how he treats others. He pays so fast with gratitude no matter your level it is scary. NO LIE HERE when I lost my home after 911 and was flat he paypal me 2K told me keep going. When I was so broke without food he sent me more. When I needed gas he sent it. What can I say about a man who fed and clothed my rag tag of a family. If you really understood the jewels he threw before you and if you really understood the decorative arts biz and really knew what made a piece great and how it would impact the design industy 5, 10, 15, 20 years down the road then you might start understanding John and Modernism. Most postings I see on this sight sound like a bunch of insecure children whom I am betting are rival dealers who follow and not lead the industry. You cant have a better friend or do business with any better. His business morals are pure BOY SCOUT on a rail and only one way. The right way. I dont see any other dealer getting so many stones thrown his way. WELL JOHN I GUESS IT IS LONELY AT THE TOP. YOU KEEP FLYING HIGH BUDDY. This man is known around the globe in nothing but good light. ARE YOU? Throw you crappy design mags away. Where were all you middle men- modernism magazines-Modern market in 1996? He was here and we were all doing business with him. When he said OK or gave a price it stood and did not change. Without men like John and a few others and I mean few You would not have these crappy design sites to bitch and moan. There is a reason some of the prices are high or not for sale, YOU CANT PICK UP A MODERNISM OR DESIGN WITHIN REACH magazine and find it. ITS VERY RARE. Most dealers and buyers have jumped on this train way late in hopes to make a quick buck. John makes a buck as well but HE knows why. HERES TO YOU JOHN AND THANKS FOR THE YEARS OF YOUR TIME IN THIS FIELD. To see some thing online call your merchandise funny names makes me mad. They have yet to figure it out. WHAT MAKES AN OBJEKT or WORK OF ART GREAT JOHN? Just keep taking it to the bank Your The Most respected man in the industry. "Keep 'em FLying High"
I agree with Modest Collector.
I visited the store in Tribeca in the 1990's and was awe struck as soon as I passed through the door.
I'm a fairly ardent researcher of 20th century decorative arts and Wyeth did put Edward Wormley and Scandinavian pottery on the map. The neutral interior settings with pieces which were incredibly refinished and upholstered in mowhair were amazing. They were beyond chic.
I also noted many, and I mean many, interior designers copied the "look" with great success. And the "look" is still popular today, check any shelter magazine published. So I'm saying the owner had a profound affect on the way we live is an understatement.
So maybe Mr. Birch learned a lesson and is keeping the "cards close to his chest" this time? Can you blame him? Wyeth, as far as I know, has never done a show, does not have a website or have public access to his inventory. I haven't seen a magazine article written about the store in years.
And I've done business with the Mr. Birch and his staff and they were fantastic.
For those who appreciate it, Wyeth is an icon of style. So for those who appreciate the cutting edge in stylish vintage design, this is the place to go.
This showroom is akin to being in a museum. Prepare to be blown away. The friendly saleslady I spoke to told me that a good chunk of the furniture is of the midcentury design movement and is the work of American & Danish designers. There aren't any prices on anything, but table lamps apparently range from $2000 to $35000. The most expensive item they had on display in the store at the time is a $400,000 desk that belonged to the former president of the French railroad. (per saleslady) My first words to a member of the staff were "There is no interiors store like this in New York". His response was "There is no store like this in the world". I would usually roll my eyes at such over-the-top remarks, but I think he is probably right!
I've read that an appointment is necessary to visit the store. I didn't know this when I happened to walk up to the door when two other customers were leaving. The salesman graciously let me in with a smile. I mention this because I feel that I was treated quite courteously by the staff, contrary to the experience of others here, and thought that I should acknowledge that. (it wasn't because I gave off a wealthy vibe -- I am fairly young and was modestly dressed) That being said, I would make an appointment if I intended to visit on some other occasion and feel they have every right to have an appointment-only policy.
(FYI, a version of this review was also posted on nymag.com. No, I am not affiliated with the store.)