Philadelphia Home: Mad About Mid-Century Modern

Remember the birdcages at John Wanamaker? The diamond-and-ball wall clocks at Bonwit’s? What about the wire figure sconces at Palumbo’s? If so, on the next few pages you’ll recognize more works by Frederic Weinberg, the PAFA-trained Philadelphia artist whose 1950s oeuvre — mostly sculpture, clocks, lamps and decorative displays for dozens of restaurants and retail businesses, based on his semi-abstract paintings — has recently become the obsession of in-the-know modern art collectors. Chief among them: interior designer Ron Rowe and Barneys salesman Glenn Nadeau, who, with much help from 20th-century specialists at Mode Moderne, Renaissance Man, Vintage Modern and Rago Arts and Auction Center, transformed their circa-1955 rancher into a playful, stylized, livable, authentically mid-century space in which to showcase an extensive collection of Weinberg’s rarest works. Still, the pair — who are now seeking help from Philadelphians in researching the first-ever book about the artist — were careful not to create a Weinberg shrine. “When you look at our house, as much as it’s vintage — and pretty much every single piece is — you never feel like you’re swallowed in,” says Glenn. “It’s workable and comfortable, cozy and warm — but still has a streamlined look.” To learn or to share more information about Weinberg, go to fredericweinberg.com.