Interior designer Harry Heissmann is a design hybrid”schooled in the classics from his years working with decorator Albert Hadley, but also a madcap modernist with a romantic streak. His new 350-square-foot office space (in the same building as his last, at 545 West 45th Street, now suite 1104) tells his story with its high-low aesthetic. These CB2 chrome bookshelves are stacked with out-of-print design books, along with the latest titles. Some of the tinsel prints, hung above the shelves, belonged to Hadley. Photo: Wendy Goodman
Samson”Harry’s French bulldog”Boston terrier mix”is always on the scene. The chairs around the conference table are by Ernst Moeckl, circa 1971. Photo: Wendy Goodman
This whimsical light fixture over the conference table is the work of artist Jason Witcher, who took an ordinary industrial lamp and glammed it up with zip ties and rhinestones. Photo: Wendy Goodman
Any idea what this is? Hint: It is particularly useful at this time of year. Harry is obsessed with Christmas-tree stands and collects them. Photo: Wendy Goodman
Another example from his collection, all vintage. Photo: Wendy Goodman
“The Christmas-tree stands are something I started collecting while I studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich,” Harry explained. “I had a friend with an antique store, so we would go to the outdoor flea markets in the Bavarian countryside at like 5 a.m. Back then I collected for number only. Now I collect them for quality.” Harry sold his collection of roughly 270 stands and used the proceeds to finance his move to the United States in 1995, keeping the twenty best ones. He is now back on the prowl, mounting his favorites on the wall. The unique designs of each stand perfectly illustrate how a functional object becomes a decorative treasure. Photo: Wendy Goodman
A closer look at the painting that Harry thinks could be an original Duquette design. Note the door lock on the lower right, which makes me think it might have been a costume locker. Photo: Wendy Goodman
This is a Duquette plaster relief painting”so rare and such a gift to find. It has his signature bits of found objects, such as the lace doily ruffle on the shirt and the glass jewel and beading details. Photo: Wendy Goodman
Harry pulled out one of his latest finds: an original tablecloth by textile designers D.D. and Leslie Tillett. The sofa to the left is upholstered in stitched-together moving blankets. Photo: Wendy Goodman
