When advertising industry legend Bob Tabor was ready to say goodbye to Madison Avenue for good, he didn’t skip a beat before embarking on a second act that has almost eclipsed his first: that of a renowned fine art photographer specializing in large-format equestrian portraits and stunning seascapes.
It was a totally intuitive pursuit, having spent so much of his career working with the world’s best photographers and graphic designers. He has published five books that are must-haves for any serious horseperson, along with having his work showcased at galleries worldwide, along with select Ralph Lauren stores on four continents. Powerful and evocative, his signature is not only the dramatic scale of his pieces, but the unique technique in which he silhouettes his subjects — whether animal, aquatic or, most recently, atmospheric. So it only makes sense that the East Hampton home that he and his wife, Randi, an equally accomplished fashion-industry pro now working in interior design, would be gallery-like in its feel.
Designed by Bob in tandem with his builder in 1997, and nestled into heavily wooded acreage in East Hampton’s Northwest Harbor, the Tabor home is a sprawling, dramatically gabled traditional, with multiple oversized dormers featuring generous arched windows. The entrance is welcoming, with French doors and sidelights instead of a solid front door. This seemingly small architectural detail is telling, as the Tabors are warm, funny and gracious.
The heart of the house is the vaulted, luminous great room. It is furnished simply and classically, with iconic pieces by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll. A small collection of earthenware is displayed on bookcases flanking the raised hearth fireplace, with the entire seating area anchored by a graphic black and white zig zag rug. But décor takes second place to Bob’s creations. Currently on display: a large equestrian piece, two seascapes and one of his mesmerizing Moon Dance works.
On Thursday, August 10, from 5 to 7 p.m., The White Room Gallery at 2415 Main Street, Bridgehampton, will celebrating the opening of Moon Dance. The exhibition will run until August 20.