What's In Their Library: Matthew White

Where do I begin in writing about designer Matthew White? First, let's start with his background. The native Texan's first career was as a ballet dancer, something that might come as a surprise to some. Matthew later made the transition from dance world to design world, partnering with fellow designer Frank Webb to form the successful design firm White Webb. In addition to his duties as a designer, Matthew is a published author, having recently written Italy of My Dreams. The book, a tribute to Matthew's love of Italy and the Italian style, is drop-dead gorgeous. I'm serious. If you have not yet read it, I advise you to get your hands on a copy pronto. The photos and text will have you planning your next trip to Italy- or at the very least, adding a few touches of la dolce vita to your own home.

Matthew's love of Italy and Venice had a hand in his latest endeavor, that as Chairman of Save Venice. In fact, Matthew and his talented Save Venice committee will be hosting a Masked Ball tomorrow evening at the Plaza Hotel. Sponsored by Valentino and Bulgari, the event is sure to be a most stylish and smashing success!

I recently asked Matthew to send me a list of his favorite books. As you can see below, books on Italy and dance are treasured parts of his library. I think you'll agree that it's a most interesting list. And I'd like to add that no post on Matthew would be complete without mentioning what a nice person he is. Sometimes, I can't help but feel that kindness is becoming a rarity in this world. It's always reassuring to meet somebody like Matthew who possesses such a genuine warmth and thoughtfulness.





"My bookshelves are of course filled with books on design, architecture and the decorative arts. I also have tons (almost literally) of books on Italy. This is my Venice shelf. I’m the Chairman of Save Venice, an American non-profit that restores the great art and architecture of Venice Italy. We’ve been around for 40 years, and I’ve been on the board for 10. "




"This is my first book, Italy of My Dreams ~ The Story of an American Designer’s Real Life Passion for Italian Style. This actually is the “Save Venice limited edition” which was placed in a hand-made Venetian box. This edition of 100 sold out quickly, but the book itself went into a second printing within the first year. I’m pretty proud of that!"




"This is my tattered copy of The Age of the Grand Tour. I adore this book. It’s filled with writings of Grand Tourists from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries with wonderful engravings. It’s an enormous book, and soooo satisfying."





"Roomscapes is a delicious book ~ filled with fantasy and magic. Of course Renzo Mongiardino was a fabulous designer who based his rooms in history, much of it inspired by Italy."





"Many people don’t know that I was once a professional ballet dancer. Ballet definitely is a huge influence for me, the history of it, the theatricality, the sheer beauty. Rudolph Nureyev was of course a great figure in ballet, he was bigger than life and when he was on stage your eye never wandered. After his death his fabulous collections (and he had superb taste) went up for sale at Christies. Old Master paintings, ancient sculpture and a fabulous array of textiles was just part of the trove. I was at the sale and it was a SCENE. Glamorous and international like the man himself. The Nureyev Christies Catalog of the New York sale has a prized place in my library. "





"In Classic Style: The Splendor of American Ballet Theatre is a sumptuous book with images by Nancy Ellison. It’s a visual feast. "





"In Italy is a wonderful book with stunning images of, what else? Italy. The cities, villas, street scenes, palaces, art, people... for anyone who loves Italy as I do it’s a must-have. Roloff Beny’s photographs are superb. It was published in 1974 and has a brilliant epilogue by Gore Vidal."





"This is one of my most treasured books. It’s The Stones of Venice by Ruskin, a 19th century edition beautifully bound in ivory vellum with gilding. The paper edges are carved and gilding as well, such a stunning effect! No one who loves Venice can have a library and NOT have this book."





"Architectura Minore In Italia is a series of early 20th century books showing black and white photographs of “minor” architecture in Italy. I use these as reference books for inspiration. Some of the buildings have details that are quite surprising and even fantastical. I only have two volumes, both on Rome. But because it’s about “minor” architecture the book doesn’t show the Pantheon or other well known buildings, that’s precisely what makes these books so special."





"I found Good-bye, Mr. Chippendale at a yard sale decades ago, long before I even knew who T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings was. It’s hysterical and the drawings are completely charming, but I must admit I think some of what he says is a little harsh. I mean really, how can you say anything bad about Chinese Chippendale furniture? "





"It’s tiresome at this point for a designer to list Billy Baldwin Decorates as one of his favorite books. I mean, okay, we get it, Billy Baldwin was beyond brilliant. But my relationship with this book goes way back. It was the first “grown-up” book I ever received, and my first decorating book. My mother gave it to me in the 1970’s. I read it cover to cover many times over. I could practically recite it! I knew back then that I wanted one day to write a book on design. In two rooms in the book stands a carved Venetian monkey. Years later I saw that monkey at auction and snapped it up. Yes, Billy Baldwin’s monkey is actually in my library! "



Image of Matthew White from "Italy of My Dreams", text by Matthew White and photographs by Art Gray; other photos courtesy of Matthew White.