There is a belief that it is possible to sum up one’s life in pictures. For the late and acclaimed photographer, Elliot Erwitt, his photos do more than just highlight his life; they highlight the lives of many and also historical moments that span decades. Since passing away late last year at the age of 95, Erwitt’s home in the heart of East Hampton is now on the market for $3.75 million.
Erwitt’s one-level, mid-century residence, located at 17 N. Main Street, was purchased by the photographer in 1981. He then set about on an extensive expansion in 1989 with architect Robert McKinny Barnes from East Hampton.
While Erwitt purchased a home in town, he maintained its privacy, ensuring it stayed hidden among one of the most beautiful areas in the country. To preserve his privacy with a dash of his signature sense of humor, the late photographer once installed two Japanese police mannequins to frighten drivers. Rich Smolan, Erwitt’s son-in-law, also a noted photographer, said that “Elliot always had quirky things like this in and around his house.”
In addition to its uncommon security presence, Erwitt’s home also includes a 900-square-foot studio that can function for photography and other art forms. As former president of Magnum Photos, an international photographic cooperative, many of Erwitt’s famed photos still adorn the house walls and studio. These include “Sammy at the Beach,” which is an East Hampton photo from 1998, and “California Kiss,” a photo from Santa Monica in 1955 which now hangs over the bar.
But Erwitt’s photos do more than just fill his home, as well as museums around the world. Erwitt has left a legacy of pictures that help reveal the story of the second half of the 20th century. With publications in Life and photographs ranging from eccentric to political, Erwitt was known for his diverse photographic interests that show off his humor, including pictures of people and dogs meant to invoke visual puns, as well as his famous photos from the “kitchen debate” between Richard Nixon and Nikita Khrushchev.
While he was known for his uncanny ability to capture the humor and irony of daily life, Erwitt’s collection also contains images of stars like Marlon Brando and Marilyn Monroe. His impressive repertoire also includes notable world figures like Che Guevara and Jack Kerouac, as well as Winston Churchill and Jackie Kennedy holding a folded American flag at the burial of her late assassinated husband, President John F. Kennedy.
The acclaimed photographer’s home comes with more than just testaments of his talents, the 3,500-square-foot home offers its future residents four bedrooms, four baths, two fireplaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Located on nearly half an acre of land, the home establishes a feeling of grandness with a great room with cathedral ceilings for dining and entertaining, as well as a formal living area with French doors, opening to a south-facing bluestone patio and pool. This beautiful, outdoor view can be seen from the kitchen and dining room, which is located near the artist’s studio.
While Erwitt’s family will miss their childhood home, selling it will be “bittersweet.” They have enlisted Jennifer Wilson of Saunders & Associates as the home’s listing broker.
