BookHampton, the long-standing independent bookstore in East Hampton, New York has a new owner—one with deep roots in the area and the art world: Larry Gagosian. The legendary dealer and longtime resident of Amagansett, New York purchased the shop, which has become a landmark for locals and tourists.
Gagosian’s acquisition follows last fall’s announcement from Carolyn Brody, who bought the store in 2016, that she planned to sell. The news sparked concern among locals who feared the space might be converted into a chain or luxury boutique. Instead, Gagosian has indicated that he intends for the local stalwart to remain a general-interest bookstore, with plans for a subtle shift toward art and design titles.
“I have lived in Amagansett for 35 years and always loved the fact that Main Street in East Hampton had a wonderful independent bookstore,” Gagosian told Page Six, which broke the news earlier this week. “BookHampton is an important part of the community, and I felt it was crucial that it was preserved.”
Though no major programming changes have been announced, Gagosian’s plans include maintaining the store’s community orientation while drawing on his gallery’s publishing arm for additional offerings. The 80-year-old gallerist has an established history in art publishing, having released monographs by artists including Richard Prince, Helen Frankenthaler, and Cecily Brown.
BookHampton was founded by George Caldwell and Jorge Costello, locally known as “the Georges,” in 1971. The local bookstore has weathered several changes in its history, including three different locations and four owners before Gagosian.
“I feel confident that he will carry BookHampton into the future, while preserving and protecting its almost 50-year legacy,” Brody wrote in a newsletter, as reported by the East Hampton Star. “In the [face] of strong market pressure, an independent bookstore will remain on Main Street. Not a small feat!”
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