Welcome back to Monochromes, a Friday mini-series wherein Curbed delves deep into the Library of Congress's photographic annals, resurfacing with an armful of old black-and-white photos of architecture and interior design of yesteryear. Have a find you want to share? Hit up the tipline; we'd love to hear from you.
Photos via the Library of Congress' Gottscho-Schleisner Collection
In April exactly 73 years ago, this model apartment on NYC's Fifth Avenue was flaunted by the long-defunct real estate company Culver Hollyday & Co as an example of model living. The shots, captured in the Library of Congress' Gottscho-Schleisner Collection, are certainly pristine, with white-washed and hard-edged interiors devoid of clutter. It's a demonstration of low-impact midcentury modernism, with Bauhaus-ish armchairs, globular lamps, bizarrely thin throw pillows, and a master bedroom with beds so hard-looking it makes your back hurt. Swanky early '40s minimalism or lifeless hotel-like decor? Either way, it's a fun look into the home ideal in 1941.
· Culver Hollyday & Co., 745 5th Ave., New York City. [Library of Congress' Gottscho-Schleisner Collection]
· All Monochromes posts [Curbed National]
· All Dwelling posts [Curbed National]
· All 1940s posts [Curbed National]
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