Even after the glitter fades

I photographed the most insanely beautiful apartment yesterday- the apartment of William Basinsky, an avant-garde composer. He has been living in the Helca Iron Works building on North 11th in Williamsburg for 20 years in this gorgeous 4,000 sq. foot apartment. Billy and his boyfriend are moving to their Los Angeles apartment full time as the rent has just become too much, and the neighbourhood changed beyond recognition. While the vaulted ceilings might be decaying and falling apart, the apartment is one of the most glamorous spaces I've ever been in- a place with so many stories to tell.






The original ironwork in this closed up staircase is just incredible- Helca also did the ironwork on the Flatiron Building and many other New York landmarks.

All photos Copyright © 2008 Laura Helms