In Memoriam: Albert Hadley

The sad news came yesterday that interior designer Albert Hadley died at his sister's home in Nashville, Tennessee at the age of 91. The world has lost not only one of the most important decorators in history but a lovely gentleman. Mr. Hadley worked across the street from one of the design firms that I worked for and the highlight of my morning would be seeing him outside smoking a cigarette. Later, I was lucky enough to meet him a few times and even interview him at his office. Memories I will always cherish.

I learned that Mr. Hadley was not well from antiques dealer Gerald Bland when I shot him for my book.  He mentioned that Mr. Hadley's apartment was for sale and actually took me to see it.  Many of the special pieces had already been given away to friends or sold at auction but it was still beautiful to behold.  If I had the money, I would buy it in a heartbeat just in case some of his magic might rub off on me.  But just walking through the rooms was magic enough. You can see the floorplan here.

I hope Mr. Hadley is up there is the Decorating Hall of Fame in the sky laughing with Mrs. Parish, Billy Baldwin, Mark Hampton, and David Hicks, smoking a Camel Light and thinking about how he can add some red to all those white spaces.

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic