An Engaging, Charming, Callous, Critical Genius

Posted by Nancy Baber on October 20th 2010 | 0 Comments

Tags: museum

Nancy Baber in her Philip Johnson disguise

This month, the Institute and community celebrate the 50th anniversary of our Museum of Art designed by Philip Johnson. For me, it’s a particularly special occasion because I spent many years working with the man.

I graduated high school in June of 1978 with honors in secretarial studies. With no money for college I sought full-time employment with the thought of school a few years down the road. Among the jobs I interviewed for was executive secretary for Johnson / Burgee Architects.

I went to the 37th floor of the Seagram Building at Park Avenue & 53rd Street. Here I first met Philip Johnson. Needless-to-say, I was impressed. His eyes were bright black spots that bore right through me, yet he smiled and pumped my hand vigorously. I thought he had such an impish look on his face for an older person. The office manager, Mrs. Terry, showed me around the executive offices, and I saw photos of many of their buildings, including the Institute’s Museum of Art. I was hired shortly thereafter.

My first year with the firm Mr. Johnson was awarded the Gold Medal by the American Institute of Architects, their highest accolade. In 1979 he won the first Pritzker Prize, honoring an architect of international stature. Some of his best known works were conceived and constructed during my tenure [Crystal Cathedral, AT&T Corporate Headquarters, Transco Tower, PPG Place, RepublicBank Center]. I had the pleasure of conversing regularly with architects of great reputation, including I.M. Pei, Richard Meier, Frank Gehry, Cesar Pelli, and MichaeI Graves plus meeting artists such as Frank Stella, Andy Warhol, Louise Nevelson, Jasper Johns and Julian Schnabel. Also, high-powered developers including GeraId D. Hines and Donald Trump (who called me “doll”) visited on a regular basis and doyens such as Christophe de Menil and Kitty Carlisle Hart dropped by for lunch.

I ended up working for Mr. Johnson for 11 exhilarating years, until November 1989. I’ve never come across a person with a more dynamic personality. He could be engaging, funny, charming, abrupt, callous and critical, sometimes all in one conversation. There is no doubt in my mind that he was a genius. And when he was in high spirits, the sun didn’t shine any brighter.

I never did get to college, but believe me I had quite the education!