Step into the World of Vintage: Jake Gold's Loft Tour
My down-the-street neighbour happens to be Jake Gold —- the renowned manager of The Tragically Hip.
When we would run into each other in the neighbourhood he would always love to chat about Vintage Furniture — two seconds into any conversation with him and I’d be quickly humbled by my lack of Historical Knowledge, in comparison to him. He’s a proper collector. And he has incredible taste.
“You’ve got to come visit my space - you’ll love it”, he warmly invited me.
And so I did.
And there began the dive into the world of midcentury modern and artistic treasures that create Jake Gold’s home.
For Jake, it all started with his Hans Wegner Ox Chair (pictured below). This iconic piece, purchased from a dealer on Queen West in Toronto back in 1999, marked Jake's introduction to the industry. This chair dated back to 1961 and once he discovered the chair's historical significance, it sparked a deep fascination and ignited his passion for collecting.
Among Jake's most cherished possessions is the Chieftain Chair. This chair perfectly encapsulates the forward-thinking nature of its time. It was designed in 1949 and yet you would have no idea. It was love at first sight for Jake when he encountered this beauty at a store display. After going back and forth with the store worker Karen multiple times, she finally had the owner agree to sell it to him. Once offered, Jake wasted no time in making it his own; he went straight to the store and he and Karen carried it back to his home that day.
The yellow Eames Rocker (pictured below) injects the space with “pop + zaininess”. The chair was not only a coveted vintage piece but also elevated with an artistic touch. What Jake loved most about it was that the artist Fucci painted it for an exhibit, making it more unique.
I almost missed it at first……but there was a human-like figure made of mesh that was sitting on a chair. Jake had once been at an art gallery for an opening and found his way into a small side room adjoining the main space. In there he found an intriguing ensemble of sculptures. The one that caught his eye was positioned on a chair. When he asked about the piece, he was told that the room was an OCAD student's final project. Jake was told they were for sale and he immediately brought the one piece back home to see how it would fit on his chair. The piece was a fit, and the sale was made. He later reached out to the student on Instagram and found out the piece was called "Tabula Rasa," signifying a blank slate or an empty head.
Another iconic piece in the loft was a captivating, 80-poud book that Jake had discovered at an antique show. This exclusive edition, titled "Sumo," showcases the extraordinary work of the famous photographer Helmut Newton. With only 10,000 copies in existence, each signed and numbered, this collectible gem is accompanied by a Philip Stark-designed stand, elevating it even more. Its pages contain a series of glamour and provocation. The black and white pages of "Sumo" capture powerful women, challenge conventional beauty standards, and ignite conversations about art, sexuality, and society. I popped on the requisite white gloves for browsing, and was IN LOVE with each photo.
Next we saw a unique painting on Jake’s wall which turned out to be an original Margaret Keane painting. This painting, known for its distinctive "big eyes" style, carries a fascinating backstory. If you want to know the intriguing story of Margaret Keane and her work, I recommend watching the movie “Big Eyes”. Jake acquired this painting from a dealer in Calgary who had resided in Hawaii during Margaret Keane's time there. This dealer had purchased it from a gallery in 1979 that represented her work. As the paint brings the expressive eyes to life, we are reminded of the emotional depth that resonates from Keane's art.
Moving into, Jake’s bedroom, The Orkney chair sits proudly in the corner in a cocoon of browns + rustic textures. This piece comes from the Orkney Islands and has a pretty cool feature; it was created to block the wind. Jake snagged it from a dealer in British Columbia. Apparently, they made different versions of this chair, each with its own style and charm.
Lastly, my favourite piece that I stumbled upon during my tour of the loft is a photograph in the hallway. It's a captivating piece from the Brooklyn Museum Art School, showcasing an intriguing juxtaposition.
The photograph is a classroom of students painting a model. However, in this case, the model is clothed, while all of the students painting are naked. But wait, there's more! Amongst the student's painting, you'll spot the iconic Iggy Pop, recognizable only by his signature long hair. It's a snapshot that captures the essence of both artistic expression and a famous rock star. What a find!
I’m inspired by the extraordinary collection of vintage furniture and art that fills every room of this loft. From the iconic midcentury modern pieces to the thought-provoking sculptures and captivating photographs, Jake's passion for collecting is evident in every carefully curated corner. Whether you're a fellow vintage furniture enthusiast, or an art lover, or simply someone who appreciates a well-curated space, Jake Gold's loft is a true treasure. It makes me think about how our homes can be a reflection of our passions and personalities, and a outlet for self-expression.
Thank you again, Jake for letting us explore this piece of you!
See the gallery below for more photos of Jake’s loft!
