The exhibit “Some of Tom’s Typewriters: From the Collection of Tom Hanks,” installed by Simon Doonan at The Church in Sag Harbor, features 35 typewriters from actor Tom Hanks’s collection. The Church will be transformed into a fanciful home for these magical machines in all their iconic, sadly obsolete glory. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, January 11, from 6 to 7:30 PM.
Hanks handpicked the 35 typewriters from his collection of more than 300, which spans nearly the entire history of the object. The exhibition overviews its evolution and some charming, surprising innovations. Simon Doonan, the display and exhibition designer, is best known as the former Creative Director of Barneys New York and for his books and essays on culture and style. He has taken full command of The Church’s space, designing an installation that is beguiling and playful while also underscoring the importance of the subject.
Concurrently, an intimate exhibition on the Main Floor, “Some Odes: Sam Messer with Paul Auster, Eleanor Gaver, Denis Johnson, and Sharon Olds,” will run. The small-scale exhibition will focus on the confluence of ideas between artists and artistic media as they flow individually and within an artistic community. Both exhibitions will be on view through March 10.
A dynamic discussion with Doonan will explore the stories and inspirations that added a dash of whimsy and nostalgia to the winter exhibition, “Some of Tom’s Typewriters,” on Sunday, January 12, at noon. Inspired by the presence of typewriters in films, moved by the serendipity of his parents meeting around the typewriter, and driven by his incredible knack for storytelling, Doonan adds a special dimension to the exhibition.
Doonan will give the audience a peek into the inner workings of design as he discusses his initial sketches, the visual impact of added display elements, and more. Following the discussion, Doonan will have a brief Q&A with the audience.
Those with specialty tickets will then be invited to the studio level for mimosas and small bites. During the reception downstairs, copies of Doonan’s latest book will be available for purchase and will be signed.