Joshua Charow: Loft Law: The Last of New York City's Original Artist Lofts

Documentary photographer and filmmaker Joshua Charow joins us to discuss his book Loft Law: The Last of New York City's Original Artist Lofts, which offers a stunning visual journey through a bygone era of New York's downtown art scene.

This event will take place in person at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library on the 7th Floor.

Envied by artists and apartment hunters alike for their wide windows and open floor plans, New York City’s lofts were once manufacturing centers in the late 19th and early 20th century. As urban densification pushed industry into the suburbs, these buildings were left empty. Looking for cheap rents and ideal studios, artists struck bargains with landlords to live and work in commercially zoned spaces. By the 1970s, these same artists faced eviction as their landlords embraced the new wealthy clientele that seeped into neighborhoods such as SoHo, Tribeca and the Bowery. Enacted in 1982, Article 7-C of the Multiple Dwelling Law, better known as the “Loft Law,” allowed artists to obtain legal occupancy and rent stabilization. After discovering a map of the protected buildings, documentary filmmaker Joshua Charow embarked on the ambitious project of documenting them. Over two years, he rang hundreds of doorbells, interviewing over 50 artists still living in these lofts, and photographing them in their spaces, alongside their works in progress and the unique modifications they have made to the lofts to meet legal standards. 

At this event, author Joshua Charow will discuss his book with NYPL Librarian Cynthia Chaldekas.

To join the event in person | Doors will open 30 minutes before the program begins. For free events, we generally overbook to ensure a full house. Priority will be given to those who have registered in advance, but registration does not guarantee admission. All registered seats are released shortly before start time, and seats may become available at that time. A standby line will form 30 minutes before the program.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Joshua Charow is a documentary photographer and filmmaker interested in the unseen stories and subcultures of New York City. From an early age, Charow was immersed in 'Urban Exploring,' climbing skyscrapers, bridges, abandoned subway tunnels, frequently entering and photographing off-limit spaces of the city. Charow directs and shoots a series of online documentaries which explores the unique lives of New Yorkers. Over the past year, the series has amassed a following of over 400,000 people and garnered over 65 million views. He has directed and shot documentary films for The New York Times, TIME Magazine, The New Yorker, Amazon Prime Video and Hulu.

GET THE BOOK

• Borrow: NYPL Catalog


• E-Book app: SimplyE, available on iOS and Android


• This event will also include signing and sales of the book by our Library Shop.

Don't have a New York Public Library card? Get one here!

ACCESSIBILITY NOTES

In-Person

• Assistive listening devices and/or hearing loops are available at the venue.


• You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation or CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation) captioning service by emailing your request at least two weeks in advance of the event: email accessibility@nypl.org or use this Gmail template.


• This venue is fully accessible to wheelchairs.

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Please submit all press inquiries to Connor Goodwin at least 48 hours before the event: email connorgoodwin@nypl.org.
 

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All programs are subject to change or cancellation. 

The 7 Stories Up Series at SNFL is made possible by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF).