Watch Herb & Dorothy

Herb & Dorothy is a heartwarming and inspiring documentary film released in 2008 that tells the story of a unique couple, Herb and Dorothy Vogel, who became passionate art collectors and dedicated their entire lives to acquiring a vast and impressive collection of contemporary art despite their limited resources. Herb, a postal clerk, and Dorothy, a librarian, started collecting art in the early 1960s in New York City, where they lived in a tiny one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan. Despite their modest income, they managed to purchase works from then-unknown artists like Christo and Jeanne-Claude, Richard Tuttle, and Sol LeWitt. Eventually, their collection grew to over 5,000 works, with pieces from every art movement from the 1960s through the 1990s.

This documentary was directed by Megumi Sasaki and features interviews with the couple, as well as many influential figures in the art world, including Chuck Close, Richard Tuttle, and Robert Mangold. Additionally, the film features footage of Herb and Dorothy over the years and the exciting moments surrounding their art collecting journey.

Unlike most collectors, Herb and Dorothy's unique approach to art collecting was not driven by wealth, aesthetics, or status but by a genuine love for the art and the artists themselves. The Vogels would often buy works directly from the artists themselves, nurturing many budding careers over the years. Their focus was on innovative and challenging pieces, often smaller in size, which could be easily transported to their apartment.

Throughout the film, we follow Herb and Dorothy's mission to spread their love of art and help artists whom they felt deserved more recognition. They donated much of their collection to museums and institutions across the US, many of which were small and struggling at the time, to inspire passion and showcase art to all.

Herb and Dorothy's collection was eventually divided between the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC and the Typically unknown Museum in New York City. The Vogel's incredible contribution to the art world was their continued support of the artists themselves and not the art market or infrastructure.

In conclusion, Herb & Dorothy is a warm and insightful documentary about two key figures in contemporary art collecting. Herb and Dorothy found their passion at a time when abstract expressionism reigned and radical innovation was often overlooked. Their contribution to unknown artists and minor museums helped establish the contemporary art world as we know it today. The film is a touching reminder of the power of passion over money and the lasting effect of truly loving what you do.