In 1959, famous author Truman Capote invited us into his world with an essay called “Brooklyn Heights: A Personal Memoir.” He wrote it for Holiday magazine, sharing his love for his Brooklyn neighborhood. To bring his words to life, he chose photographer David Attie to capture the essence of his life there. These photos were tucked away for years until Attie’s son, Eli, stumbled upon them in a box. Inside a manila envelope labeled “Holiday, Capote, A3/58” were negatives and contact sheets from that special shoot.
Capote’s home from 1955 to 1965 was the basement apartment at 70 Willow Street. He rented it from Oliver Smith, a talented Broadway set designer known for his work on “West Side Story,” “Guys and Dolls,” and “On the Town.” It was within these walls that Capote finished writing his iconic book, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”
The photos offer a peek into Capote’s daily life in Brooklyn Heights. We see him strolling through the neighborhood, a small figure against the backdrop of brownstones and leafy trees. He’s often captured in quiet moments – reading on a bench in the park, gazing out at the harbor, or lost in thought on his stoop. There’s a sense of serenity in these images, a stark contrast to the fast-paced life Capote was known for.
One photo shows Capote standing in front of his apartment building, a playful grin on his face. He’s dressed in his signature style – a fitted suit, crisp white shirt, and a bow tie. His hands are tucked into his pockets, and he exudes an air of confidence and charm.
Attie’s photos also show us glimpses of Capote’s social life. We see him enjoying a lively conversation with friends at a local café, his laughter echoing through the air. These images reveal a different side of the author – a warm and engaging personality that drew people to him.
