Dear John
John Frederick Lewis, John Yaron Wind, and the Rosenbach Brothers
A Home with History
For the past 25 years, I’ve lived in a remarkable space—the former private library of John Frederick Lewis (1860–1932)-- a quintessential Philadelphia gentleman, lawyer, and philanthropist. Lewis was also a passionate collector and in 1909, he commissioned architect Frank Myles Day to design a Collegiate Gothic-style library at the rear of his Rittenhouse mansion. From the day I moved in, I was intrigued by the other John. We both loved collecting, history, and Philadelphia. But the Lewis family had been here since the Revolution and personified WASP establishment, while I’m a first-generation, gay, Jewish, Israeli immigrant who changed his name from Yaron to John. Though I later learned that the first Lewis to arrive in America was actually Andreas Philipp Ludwig, a Hessian soldier fighting with the British! After finding himself on the wrong side of history, he anglicized his name to Lewis and began a new chapter, not unlike my own journey of adaptation.
The Rosenbach Connection
Lewis sourced many of his books from the Rosenbach Company, a name synonymous with the Golden Age of rare book collecting. The Rosenbach brothers complete an interesting triangle between John Frederick Lewis and me. Though their maternal ancestors first came to the US in the 1760’s, they were Jewish and thus segregated from the city’s establishment. Yet they forged their place in Philadelphia’s cultural tapestry, navigating societal barriers to become influential figures, and leaving a legacy of books, artifacts, and impact that resonate to this day.
A Dialogue Through Art
"Dear John" is a dialogue with these historical figures. Using materials from Lewis’s library and my own story, I’ve created works that explore identity and achievement, honoring the lives and legacies of Lewis and the Rosenbachs and connecting the threads of culture, commerce, and creativity. Highlights include:
- Valedictions: Original 1909 metal library shelves, waterjet-cut with historic signatures and faux painted in neon wood grain.
- Marble Bookends: Scrap marble from my recent kitchen renovation, carved into silhouettes of Lewis, Dr. Rosenbach, and myself.
- Miniature Portraits: Inspired by collections assembled by both Lewis and the Rosenbach brothers.
- Judaica: Yads (Torah pointers) crafted from and displayed with my own family heirlooms, nodding to the Rosenbach Judaica collection and our shared religious heritage.
From Past to Present
The Rosenbach Company wasn’t just about books—it was also a purveyor of gifts and other treasures. As an artist and small business owner, I’ve walked a similar path, balancing art and commerce while carving out a space of inspiration. Thanks to my business, this library, once Lewis’s, has become my home, my muse, and now, the heart of this exhibition.
