Sir John Richardson’s Beautiful New York Loft Hits the Market for $7.2 Million

The late Picasso biographer’s full-floor residence is conveniently located a block from Union Square

Eclectic living room with colorful rugs, ornate furniture, large abstract painting, and various decorative sculptures.
Sir John Richardson’s Flatiron living room centers around a painting by Lucien Lévy-Dhurmer, which will be included in the upcoming Sotheby’s auction John Richardson: A Scholar Collects. Photo: Joel Pitra/DDReps/Compass

Framed black-and-white portrait on an antique chair next to a lamp and decorative vase in a richly decorated room.
A portrait of Richardson by Andy Warhol sits prominently in the living room of his home on Fifth Avenue. Oberto Gili

Late art historian and Pablo Picasso biographer Sir John Richardson’s lavish Manhattan loft has hit the market for $7.2 million.

Located a block from Union Square, the full-floor unit is perched within a 1906 limestone-faced beauty, occupying what was once a dance rehearsal studio. Richardson, who passed away in March at age 95, purchased the 5,400-square-foot space some 25 years ago, enlisting architect Ernesto Buch to create a light-filled residence equipped with two bedrooms, two and a half baths, a library, gallery, and spacious studio.

Brimming with Richardson’s extensive collection of books, magazines, antiques, and personal works of art, the home boasts classical touches like intricate crown moldings and mahogany doorways topped with crisp white pediments. The walls are bathed in splashy hues, including turquoise in the studio and persimmon in the reception gallery.

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The elegant dwelling is prominently featured in John Richardson: At Home, which was released just weeks after his death. Written by Richardson with an introduction by James Reginato, the Rizzoli tome chronicles the art historian’s elegant estates, from his château in the South of France to his country retreat in Connecticut, along with other places that have shaped his life and his aesthetic, such as the Stowe School in Buckingham, England.

Cozy home library with bookshelves, framed photos, plush seating, and large windows for natural light.
The classical library is lined with books and choice antiques. Joel Pitra/DDReps/Compass

According to the New York Times, at the time of his death Richardson was at work on the fourth—and final—volume of his series A Life of Picasso. (A team of editors is currently finishing the book, which is slated to be released next fall by Penguin Random House.)

Richardson was a personal friend of Picasso’s, having met the legendary artist in 1948. He was also head of Christie’s New York office from 1973 to 1982 and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2012. In addition, the Times reveals that Richardson’s significant art and design holdings—among them works by Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Lucian Freud—will hit the auction block in 2020.

See below for a peek inside the refined residence.

Colorful room with busts, city view windows, and art display. Decor includes vases, books, and scarves on a rack.
The persimmon-hued gallery features marble busts and a collection of Richardson’s scarves. Joel Pitra/DDReps/Compass

Eclectic living room with various framed art pieces, patterned textiles, and vintage vases displayed on a decorated mantel.
A portrait of Richardson by Andy Warhol is a highlight of one of the living room’s walls. Joel Pitra/DDReps/Compass

Eclectic home office with vintage wooden desk, red canopy bed, and vibrant decor in a room with dark hardwood flooring.
A full view of the studio with turquoise walls. Joel Pitra/DDReps/Compass

Eclectic room with turquoise walls, diverse artworks, sculptures, ornate furniture, and a decorative rug.
Richardson’s antique campaign desk in his studio. Joel Pitra/DDReps/Compass

Red canopy bed in vibrant room with teal walls, gold wall art, and coffee table with flowers and decorative items.
The studio’s scarlet-canopied daybed. Joel Pitra/DDReps/Compass

Eclectic dining room with ornate gold mirror, framed art, round table, upholstered chairs, and decorative vases.
The dining room. Joel Pitra/DDReps/Compass

Bathroom with blue and white geometric tiles, glass shower enclosure, white sink, and bidet.
Moroccan tiles line the master bath. Joel Pitra/DDReps/Compass

The home is listed with Jeffrey Stockwell, Jill Bernard, and Alan Shaker of Compass.