EFTA00654210.pdf

From: Richard Kahn To: Jeffrey Epstein <[email protected]> Subject: Fwd: Report on St. Thomas Date: Mon, 09 Mar 2015 06:01:55 +0000 Richard Kahn HBRK Associates Inc. 575 Lexington Avenue, 4th Floor New York, NY 10022 Tel Fax Cell Begin forwarded message: From: Brandon Thompson < Date: March 9, 2015 at 1:13:39 AM EDT To: Richard Kahn Subject: Report on St. Thomas Dear Mr. Kahn, The Library of Mr. Epstein in St. Thomas is very, very impressive. All 24 columns are very richly carved as well as upper section supported by the columns. When you enter the Library what is really strikes you is "sameness". The idea of lime-wash is good but as I have been taught at the Academy of Fine Arts, every good design is sort of governed by the function. All the woodwork at the Library is treated the same. There is no distinction what is important or what is not. Surely, the column has different function than the base, moldings differ from the panels. There is no question that the Library needs help at this time and on a different levels. When I arrived at St. Thomas, the weather was beautiful, dry and pleasant. On the close inspection of the wood, I noticed that the wood must have been exposed to a high humidity as well. The reason I think so is because the wooden grain is rather wide open. Also there are many tiny checks in the wood as well as wood shows roughness in many places especially at the window. This calls for treatment. The second observation of mine is that the panels and some other sections of the wood are not uniform is color. Some of them not only stayed not white washed but some of them are purplish now. Most likely, they have to be stripped of current finish and fresh lime-stone finish re-applied to render uniform look again of all panels. The third, there is a difference between the craftsmanship and artistry. The current lime-wash did not reach full potential for the finishing of the Library. The design on the woodwork reminiscences Art Nouveau in style. This might be a novel idea, but I would suggest to treat most of the decorations with various colored wax to further indicate sea life evocative by design. These have to be done with sensitivity: a pastel sort of treatment. I can elaborate on the idea. The other and very important factor in the Library is the ceiling. The idea of painting clouds is good, but everything is the same: the same feeling of sameness. The clouds do not differ from the bottom of the ceiling to the top. All is the same. We all know, that the sky is either lighter on the horizon or light emerald color. The color at the top may be more misty to imitate distance. I sincerely believe, that the ceiling shall be re- designed to give the greater illusion of space. EFTA00654210 I would suggest painting a trellis, like a metal construction and in-painting vine or other decorative elements on it. To incorporate the rectangular construction on the ceiling would be necessary to greatly increase illusion of space. The rectangular construction at present time looks artificial and estranged from the rest of the room. It actually should tie the design of the woodwork with the design of the ceiling. When you turn the lights on, inside the rectangle, you have very strong image of shade. It is almost disturbing look. The inside of the rectangle would have to be changed so the shadow will not appear when the lights are on. I was thinking about it and there is a way out of this problem, but only if Mr. Epstein will agrees to it. I could produce a design to this effect. Please, let me know which way do you want me to go and I will write specs and design the treatment accordingly. Now I understand why Mr. Epstein told me he does not need decorator. I feel too many peoples gave him wrong advise. Very kindly, Brandon PS. I hold Masters Degree in Arts and I can easily handle every inside project. EFTA00654211