The Morgan Library

When I am in New York, my oasis inside the city is The Morgan Library and Museum. I am grateful to Mr. Morgan and all of the people who have made and continue to make it so.

A few weeks ago when I was there, the sun brightened main hall that connects the original and new buildings was warm in every way as the temperature plummeted on that Friday and the wind started to blow through the canyons of New York.

The exhibits are always inspirational. Since I am in the business of Design Inspiration they refresh my mind. They blow the cobwebs out. And because each exhibit is a manageable size I do not have to give an entire day to The Morgan, although I can if I have it to give.

“Beatrix Potter: The Picture Letters” showed the thought processes and inspiration for Ms. Potter’s endearing and enduring children’s books. It included the original sketches and drawings for characters like Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddleduck. In fact, her characters were originally drawn to illustrate letters she wrote to children of friends. The letters and her original, handwritten versions of the books were part of the exhibit. Although the exhibition is over, you can still fall in love with it by taking in the online version at: www.themorgan.org/exhibitions/past

The current exhibits, “Drawing Surrealism” and “Treasures from the Vault,” could not be more different one from the other yet the quality of both are pure The Morgan Library and Museum.

Take a break. Wander to the eastern edge of the Garment District between 36th and 37th Streets on Madison Avenue. Soak up the exhibits. The Morgan Café is a daylight filled spot for coffee or a beverage. And the gift shop will send every designer straight into Design Book Heaven.