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A Visit to Bert Long's House

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Robert Boyd

I ran a post on Bert Long's old house, now for sale, a few days ago. All the pictures in that post either came from the listing for the house on HAR or from architect Brett Zamore's website. When realtor Star Massing announced that she was hosting an open house, I decided to go by and check it out myself. I was especially eager to see the art on the walls--art by Bert Long and art by his friends.

Some of the art I could identify, but not all of it. If you know anything about any of the "anonymous" pieces, let me know in the comments!


Bert Long

I'm pretty sure these eyeglasses were by Long himself. He was obsessed with the image of eyes.


Bert Long

Another Bert Long eye. You can see several of them in the back courtyard of the Houston Museum of African American Culture.



Here's a great photo of Long from his days as a chef. This photo was propped up in his studio.


James Surls (object on the left)

James Surls and Bert Long were by all reports close friends. Long had two Surls pieces in this small house, the sculpture above and a lovely pencil drawing over his bed.


James Surls


James Bettison


John Alexander


Solomon Kane

This Solomon Kane is hanging in the bathroom. (I'm always afraid to hang art in the bathroom--I worry that the steam from the shower will damage it.) It has the insane piece below hanging across from it.



Is this by Bert Long?

Another mousetrap-based piece is on the same table as the James Surls sculpture.





Another Bert Long? Or is it by someone else?


Bert Long


Michelle O'Michael (I think)

I think this sleek blue sculpture is by Michelle O'Michael. But I have no idea about the object to its right.


Bert Long

Long has two large sculptures in his yard. I wonder what will become of them? I can imagine there are more than a few lawns in Houston that would benefit mightily by having a Bert Long on them.


Bert Long

According to Massing, Long's widow, Joan Batson, is moving up North to live close to relatives. I assume she'll take all this art with her. In any case, it won't be here. The house will be a blank slate for its new owners. I hope they treat it with respect for its history and fill it with art they love.


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