Herb and Dorothy Vogel lived fairly anonymous lives for many decades. Herb was a clerk in the post office, Dorothy a librarian at the Brooklyn branch of the New York Public library. They were not people of means. But…they loved art. Every night they would go to art exhibits, openings and events. They befriended up and coming artists and had them over for dinner. They supported the artists when they could, living off of Dorothy’s salary and using Herb’s to buy art. Slowly, over decades, they amassed one of the most amazing art collections of modern times…and they did it on a budget.
Now they’re well known, and famous in the art world. 60 minutes has done stories on them, and they had a documentary made of their life and art collection (which I highly recommend).
How did the Vogel’s build their reputation in the art world without the benefit of hoards of money? They built it one day at a time, one decision at a time.
So many people want the benefits of momentum, of a good reputation, without paying the daily price.
David Curry
