In 1905, New York Central took its name from the train line that fascinated Benjamin Steinberg, and represented to him the "Great American Success Story". Although the New York Central Line never passed anywhere near its namesake, the proximity of the Third Avenue El rumbling overhead perhaps kept it in mind. The photo of the El (elevated line for the non-New Yorker) above dates from 1901, a few years before our building, # 64 on the corner of 11th Street, was to become the "hock" shop that specialized in engineering, architectural and drafting instruments.
The neighborhood was on the fringe, with the Bowery only a few blocks away, and lower class ethnic enclaves surrounding it.
Cooper Union was down the street. What better place for artists to come looking for cheap housing and a bargain from a local pawn shop? Over the years, it seemed only natural to add some pencils and a few types of paper; some oil paint and a few brushes to spread it around.
In the 1940's, as you can see on our home page, the El was still overhead. Although there were bargains yet to be found at 64 Third Avenue, Benjamin purchased for his son, Harold Steinberg, the adjoining store with its own separate entrance at 62 Third Avenue. Harold clearly let everyone know that the pawn shop was next door and that artist materials was New York Central's specialty. By the 1950's, The East and West Villages were populated with artists who would, in time, change the course of modern art. New York Central and Rosenthal's Art Supply were there to assist them. Technology offered new resources and choices for the artist, such as the "acrylic" boom of the era. Right about that time, Harold's son, Steven Steinberg, began working full time at New York Central.
In the 1970's and 1980's, printmaking experienced a renaissance never to be duplicated again, as art became a formidable tax shelter, and printmaking papers were being sold in huge quantities. Steven Steinberg worked closely with master printmakers, and many of the most respected artists, such asRoy Lichtenstein(1923-1997), Andy Warhol(1928-1987), Willem De Kooning(1904-1997), Brice Marden(1938-), David Hockney(1937-), Robert Motherwell(1915-1991), Frank Stella(1936-)and many others. He shared information freely, and was sought after for his skills in developing specific grades of papers for special needs. New York Central did very little if no advertising at all; most of its clients came by word of mouth, and today, 101 years later, they are still coming that way.
Steve Steinberg
"You cannot discuss paper without talking to New York Central's Steve Steinberg, whose paper department is legendary. "
Claudia Myers, owner of Spokane Art Supply, in an article she wrote on paper in Art Materials Retailer, Spring 2000
New York Central began importing some of the finest art materials from around the world. With Lou Rosenthal now an integral part of the staff, Charbonnel Inks,Raphael, Manet and Isabey Brushes,Sennelier Oils, papers from Europe, Bhutan, India and Nepal - items that were previously unknown - were introduced to the American market.
New York Central Art Supply is proud to be a long standing member of NAMTA(the National Art Materials Trade Association); Steve Steinberg served on its board of directors for 6 years, and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 1998. He is the first to admit that his paper department, expertly run by a knowledgeable staff of working artists, is second to none.
At the turn of the year, New York Central joined the computer age by developing its presence on the world wide web with its collection of fine artist and decorative papers. Please bear with us as we strive to digitize all of this treasure trove. Indications are that after paper is completed, you will also be able to shop for our brands of art materials as well.
Today, New York Central is still exploring the needs of the artist. We are pleased to offer to all of our customers the newest technology, the old standards, the rare, the exotic and perhaps a glimmer of inspiration.
