Ian Wardropper

For the 37th episode of “Reading the Art World,” host Megan Fox Kelly speaks with Ian Wardropper, author and former director of The Frick Collection, about his illuminating new book “The Fricks Collect: An American Family and the Evolution of Taste in the Gilded Age,” published by The Frick Collection in association with Rizzoli Electa. Wardropper shares the fascinating story of Henry Clay Frick"s evolution from a rough Pittsburgh businessman to one of America"s most discerning collectors. Through careful research into the Frick archives, Wardropper shows how Frick spent his first twenty years collecting contemporary American art — learning to develop his eye and work with dealers — before making the leap to Old Master paintings at the highest level of the market. Our conversation reveals Frick"s distinctive approach to collecting: his relentless focus on quality over quantity, his willingness to edit and refine his holdings, and his vision for creating harmonious environments where great paintings lived alongside exceptional decorative arts. Wardropper also brings to light the crucial role of Helen Clay Frick, whose strong opinions and different tastes shaped the collection"s growth after her father"s death, including her establishment of the world-renowned Frick Art Research Library. This episode provides essential insights for collectors, museum professionals, and anyone interested in how great collections are built and sustained across generations. Wardropper"s deep understanding of both the Frick family"s story and the institution"s transformation offers a compelling look at American collecting at its finest. ABOUT THE AUTHOR  Ian Wardropper served as the Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Director of The Frick Collection for 14 years, leading the institution through its most transformative period, including the first comprehensive renovation in nearly 90 years and the innovative Frick Madison project. Previously, he held curatorial positions at the Metropolitan Museum of Art as Chairman of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts and at the Art Institute of Chicago for twenty years. A specialist in European decorative arts and sculpture, Wardropper oversaw ambitious exhibitions, a major capital campaign that raised $242 million, and pioneering digital initiatives including the acclaimed "Cocktails with a Curator" series. He holds a Ph.D. in art history from NYU and was named a Chevalier de l"Ordre des Arts et Lettres by the French Minister of Culture. PURCHASE THE BOOK https://shop.frick.org/the-fricks-collect-an-american-family-and-the-evolution-of-taste-the-gilded-age-softcover SUBSCRIBE, FOLLOW AND HEAR INTERVIEWS: For more information, visit meganfoxkelly.com, hear our past interviews, and subscribe at the bottom of our Of Interest page for new posts. Follow us on Instagram: @meganfoxkelly "Reading the Art World" is a live interview and podcast series with leading art world authors hosted by art advisor Megan Fox Kelly. The conversations explore timely subjects in the world of art, design, architecture, artists and the art market, and are an opportunity to engage further with the minds behind these insightful new publications.  Megan Fox Kelly is an art advisor and past President of the Association of Professional Art Advisors who works with collectors, estates and foundations. Music composed by Bob Golden