Mixing It Up

The art collection in David Halperin’s New York City apartment juxtaposes contemporary cityscapes and classic portraiture.

- John O' Hern

David Halperin’s New York apartment overlooks the East River and the 59 th Street Bridge in a prewar building designed by Emery Roth who designed many of the city’s iconic residential buildings. “I’ve always lived in cities,” Halperin says. “I love New York but my main home is Hong Kong.” When I remark on his serene, lightfilled home he comments, “Full credit goes to my interior designer Stephen James in Hong Kong, architect Tim Greer in New York and my contractor Mark Jameson.”

He continues, “I grew up in an all-glass modern house in Brentwood, California. My stepfather, with whom I lived, collected works on paper, notably American woodblock prints, as well as Native American baskets and carpets. I was never drawn to his collections and didn’t start collecting until I moved to Hong Kong. As a naval officer during Vietnam, I was in and out of Hong Kong. After law school and working in New York I had the opportunity to move to Hong Cong joining Coudert Brothers.” He became a partner in Coudert and he continues as a partner in its successor firm, Orrick. During his service he was special assistant to Adm. E.R. Zumwalt, Commander of Naval Forces, Vietnam, and later Chief of Naval Operations.

“By way of background,” he says, “I have lived in Hong Kong since 1976 but for some time I wanted to have an apartment in New York as I am intending to spend more time in the city. I have had friends and family who have lived in the building where I now have my apartment. I bought and finished renovating the apartment about 18 months ago.”