Art dealer and gallerist Larry Gagosian is buying BookHampton in East Hampton, N.Y. Owner Carolyn Brody, who bought the store and extensively renovated it in 2016, shared the "exciting news about the future" of the bookshop in her "Dear Reader" e-newsletter yesterday, noting: "As many of you know, last fall, I decided it was time for me to find the next steward of the bookstore... it had been a childhood dream to open a bookstore, to live more deeply in the world of books and reading. I felt strongly that I couldn't live in a place without a bookstore. Indeed, I feel the same way today, perhaps more so.
"I'm immensely proud of what we've accomplished together in the past nine years. I've been heartened by your support, well-wishes, and loyalty. Owning BookHampton has been one of the most satisfying and exciting experiences of my life. It has been an honor and a privilege to be part of this world."
Brody wrote that new owner Gagosian "is equally passionate about books and bookstores. He plans for the store to remain a general interest bookstore, although I am sure we can expect expanded offerings of art and design books! I feel confident that he will carry BookHampton into the future, while preserving and protecting its almost 50-year legacy. In Larry, I believe I've found someone who will bring energy, commitment, vision, and resources to ensure that BookHampton will remain an integral part of the dynamic East Hampton retail environment. I welcome him wholeheartedly and wish him much success!"
Gagosian, who has published art books via his gallery, told Page Six: "I have lived in Amagansett for 35 years and always loved the fact that Main Street in East Hampton had a wonderful independent bookstore. BookHampton is an important part of the community, and I felt it was crucial that it was preserved."
He told the East Hampton Star: "I'm not going to turn it into a Gagosian Gallery, by any means. There are a couple of things I'm going to change. I want it to remain relevant. It's still going to be run as a general interest bookstore, but I will be emphasizing more art books. East Hampton is a community where there are a lot of people who care about art. I want to bolster that part of the store."
Brody noted that she considers the ownership change "a win for the Village of East Hampton and the East End. In the face of strong market pressure, an independent bookstore will remain on Main Street. Not a small feat!"