Step Inside the Art-Filled Office of Designer Andrew Torrey
The inspiring midtown space features work by Jack Pierson, Wolfgang Tillmans, Daniel Arsham, and more
Walking into the Midtown design office of American designer Andrew Torrey might make one wonder, “Is this an art gallery? Am I on the wrong floor?” Not only is practically every wall hung floor-to-ceiling with exquisite works of art, but opening the front door hits you immediately with an enormous work by Jack Pierson that covers the entire wall.
It is all like a breath of fresh air—or perhaps several—and perfectly encapsulates the designer in chief himself. Everything about Torrey screams enthusiasm and a profound dedication to his clients, team, and all things art. Entering his 12th year in business, there are no roadblocks in sight, and even if there were, he wouldn’t notice. It is no secret that Torrey is in love with what he does. “I pinch myself every day,” he says. “This is my dream job.”
With a major monograph under his belt documenting the first 10 years and another volume in the works, Torrey approaches everything with eyes wide open and a desire to learn as fast as possible. Enter art and his budding collection.
Although he has always collected art, sculpture, and decorative items, he has thrown himself feet-first into the art-collecting pool. Torrey knows what he likes but also wants to see everything—and nothing is off-limits. When asked about his wish list, he doesn’t miss a beat and says James Turrell, one day Joan Mitchell, and that he is waiting for the right Robert Nava and Adam Pendleton. Meanwhile, he has amassed a small but impressive collection of works by Wolfgang Tillmans and by an off-the-radar self-taught artist, Robert Loughlin.
His office is the perfect laboratory for showcasing his acquisitions, often moving them around, and specifically, for his team. He emphasizes the importance of creating an inspiring environment for everyone, which includes an inviting kitchen full of snacks and drinks, an ever-evolving library chockablock with books for everyone to peruse, and walls stacked with art.
As mentioned above, visitors immediately encounter a huge, dazzling Jack Pierson digital acrylic lacquer on canvas. Immediately to the left, a larger-than-life head of Hermès by Daniel Arsham. Torrey had already placed two of these works with collectors and just couldn’t live without one for himself. Hanging right next to it is a portrait commissioned from one of his favorite artists, Gregor Hildebrandt. Based on a photograph by Manolo Yllera, Hildebrandt worked his creative magic, building it up with cassette cases, and he invited Torrey to include some of his favorite tunes to incorporate in the work. The results are surprising and stunning. Look closely.
There is a large painting by up-and-coming artist Jeremy Demester, and Torrey’s office is full of works by Loughlin. Although not well known, Torrey is a huge supporter of the work and has a large collection, including furniture. The art in his personal office space shares walls with his library of art books and various African sculptures. There is also a small Jean Cocteau drawing.
Torrey explains that “now, as I move forward, I need to edit things. It is important to me that I have works by artists I like and believe in, that it is an exceptional work in their practice, and most importantly, I need to feel a connection, a charge.” He means an electrical charge, much like what he felt the first time he saw a huge work by Spanish painter Secundino Hernandez, with whom he was previously unfamiliar. The work is too big for him to hang anywhere, but he knew he had to have it and has no doubts it will hang somewhere one day.
The art obsession has been expanding over the past six years, and at this point, it keeps growing by leaps and bounds. Torrey smiles and says even if he won the lottery, he’s not sure that would be enough to acquire the pieces he dreams about. But, he adds, “It’s good to dream… it’s fun to dream.” The words of a true collector.