“LA is, in essence, doing what America has, for much of the Twentieth Century, done so well…taking European style and making it more relevant to a contemporary way of living…Sources of inspiration needn’t, necessarily, be the biggest names, but rather those who strike a chord on a personal level, whose aesthetic choices might open one’s eyes to new styles, colours, fabrics, and even ways of displaying, or juxtaposing works of art and design from different periods.”
— Ben Weaver, “Aesthetic Voyeurs” in The London List
In June 2024, Trevor Cheney will open a new, eponymous gallery in Los Angeles. Situated in the Melrose Arts District—a stone’s throw from Galerie Half, where he served as Creative Director, and Seventh House, the gallery he established in 2021— Trevor Cheney Gallery introduces a keenly edited presentation of prestige design, ranging from 18th century antiques to marquee designs by the likes of Gae Aulenti, Josef Hoffman and Mathieu Matégot, refreshed by a distinctly American perspective.
A native of Santa Cruz, California, Cheney began his career as an industrial designer, collaborating on projects for companies including Muji, Herman Miller, Vitra, and Knoll. In his roles as Creative Director for Galerie Half and an independent design advisor for clients including Ryan Murphy and Jennifer Aniston, Cheney has honed his focus to specialize in vintage and historical design. This eventually led to opening Seventh House Gallery, dedicated to early 20th century deco, postmodern, and contemporary design by makers such as Giancarlo Valle, Green River Project, and Courtney Applebaum, displayed throughout Frank Gehry’s Danzinger Studio & Residence complex on Melrose Avenue.
In response to the intrigue seeded by Seventh House, Cheney was inspired to turn toward something more provocative. Trevor Cheney Gallery will host a thoughtful selection of design in its 800 square foot storefront location at 6907 Melrose Avenue, expressing a more personal point of view through impassioned curatorial choices. A complimentary counterpoint to Seventh House’s airy setting and Modernist focus, Trevor Cheney Gallery’s more intimate, tightly edited collection is comprised of vintage and antique pieces chosen for their provenance, documentation and historical significance, ranging from a 1928 Madagascar opalescent glass chandelier by René Lalique to a 1960s Okimono bronze crab sculpture from Japan. Clients can expect to see richer colors and textures, pristine craftsmanship, old world materials, and one-of- a-kind pieces. Eschewing the formula of classic Parisian galleries, the TCG collection will continue what Trevor Cheney has become known for: a contemporary treatment of the historical that is hopeful and genuine, positioning Los Angeles as a backdrop for sincere experimentation.