Andreas Brown, longtime owner of the Gotham Book Mart (GBM) in New York City, has passed away. Mr. Brown took over ownership of the GBM in 1967 and ran the store until its closing in 2007. In the 1960's Mr. Brown embraced the works of Edward Gorey, building and promoting Mr. Gorey's career over the decades. Mr. Brown eventually promoted the works of Edward Gorey to the extent that GBM became ground zero for all things Gorey and Andreas Brown became the leading authority on his works. Until recent health issues led to his retirement, Mr. Brown was co-trustee of The Edward Gorey Charitable Trust.
The above self portrait shows Andreas Brown in a boat christened the H.M.S. G.B.M. The drawing is a playful reference to GBM's motto "Wise Men Fish Here".
Very sad to hear that. He was an interesting guy (sometimes caustic, but at heart a good man).
ReplyDeleteWhen PBS printed the Gorey 10th Anniversary Mystery! poster, I hounded the shop, week after week, trying to get Mr. Brown to have Mr. Gorey sign it. And, after months of gentle pushing (and he putting up with it all), I got it done. It hangs on my wall to this day.