Designer Spotlight: Jonathan Brown
From Literary Sanctuaries to Design Excellence
Jonathan Brown, renowned for his previous endeavors in curating home libraries and guiding others in crafting their literary sanctuaries, has gracefully shifted his focus toward the realm of design and furnishings. Today, he presides over LEADAPRON, an exclusive, discreet retail enclave – with no sign and no fanfare – that attracts the likes of everyone from international conglomerates and designers, to entertainment heavyweights and cattle ranchers.
LEADAPRON is an enchanting amalgamation of a gallery and library, operated by its strict appointment-only policy. This sanctuary is celebrated for its discretion – often clients will find him by referrals or word-of-mouth – and boasts an awe-inspiring collection of contemporary art, rarefied objects, and precious literary tomes. The sanctum was meticulously envisioned and refurbished by Jonathan himself, its ethereal all-white interior serving as an immaculate canvas upon which a kaleidoscope of contemporary art rotates.
Jonathan's journey, which has meandered from the vibrant streets of New York to the sun-kissed boulevards of Los Angeles, bears witness to his intellectual pursuits at esteemed institutions like Columbia and Harvard. His initial career, rooted in the enigmatic field of neuropsychology, adds an intriguing layer to his narrative. Before LEADAPRON, Jonathan's eclectic professional voyage encompassed forays into the domains of philosophy, architecture, draftsmanship, pugilism, theatrical direction, literary composition, behavioral neuroscience, and the world of fine art dealership.
Where Art and History Unite
LEADAPRON emerges as a veritable treasure trove that specializes in the curation of rare, autographed, and out-of-print volumes on the subjects of art and photography. The curated selection includes volumes dedicated to luminaries such as Andree Putman, Pierre Chaveau, Basquiat, Ed Ruscha, Donald Judd, and Lucio Fontana.
The meticulous organization of these literary treasures, interspersed with strategically placed plexiglass encasements housing postcards and literature, creates an atmosphere resonant with the echoes of space, time, and history. Within these private walls, one may also uncover precious editions of Ed Ruscha's oeuvre and printed works chronicling the revolutionary canvases of Lucio Fontana.
LEADAPRON, originally conceived as Leadapron Productions a decade and a half ago during Jonathan's directorial stint in the Manhattan theater circuit, derives its nomenclature from the protective shield donned during X-ray procedures.
