Priya Kapoor
Pearl Paint was an iconic art supply store in New York City, with its flagship store located on Canal Street. The store was founded during the Great Depression in Brooklyn by Louis Perlmutter, deriving its name from his surname. The Canal Street location, which opened in 1933, was particularly beloved by artists and played a significant role in the New York arts scene. The six-storey building was known for its red and white Pearl Paint sign, which remains as a tribute to its historical significance. The store closed in 2014, and the building has since been converted into luxury rentals. Cortlandt Alley, located near the former Pearl Paint store, is a notable filming location in Lower Manhattan, often used to depict crime-related scenes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Canal Street, New York City |
| Type of Business | Art supply store |
| Year of Closure | 2014 |
| Previous Address | 308-310 Canal Street |
| Current Status | Converted into residential apartments |
| Significance | A creative hub for artists of all levels and incomes |
| Founder | Louis Perlmutter |
| Notable Features | Red and white neon sign, six floors of art supplies |
| Reasons for Closure | Financial troubles, IRS investigations, competition |
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What You'll Learn
- Pearl Paint was an iconic art supply store in New York City
- The store was founded in Brooklyn during the Great Depression by Louis Perlmutter
- The Canal Street location was a hub for artists and played a significant role in the New York arts scene
- The store closed in 2014 due to financial troubles and the impact of the 9/11 terrorist attacks
- Cortlandt Alley, located near Pearl Paint, is a popular filming location for movies and TV shows
Pearl Paint was an iconic art supply store in New York City
The store was described as a "creative hub" where artists of all levels and incomes could find what they needed. It was also a place where artists could connect and interact with one another, making it a vital anchor in the neighbourhood. The unique shopping experience at Pearl Paint, with its multiple floors dedicated to different types of art supplies, further added to its appeal.
However, Pearl Paint began to face challenges in the late 1990s due to financial issues and legal troubles. In 2000, Robert Perlmutter, who managed the business, was sentenced to prison for tax fraud, and the business took a significant hit after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Despite these setbacks, the business continued to operate, and at its peak, had expanded to 24 stores.
Unfortunately, Pearl Paint ultimately could not withstand the changing economic landscape and the increasing corporatization of the art scene. In 2014, the flagship Canal Street store closed its doors, ending an eight-decade run as a beloved supplier of art supplies in New York City. The closure of Pearl Paint was met with sadness and nostalgia from artists and patrons who cherished the store's role in fostering creativity and community within the city.
Although Pearl Paint is no longer there, its legacy lives on in the memories of those who frequented its aisles and in the art that was created with its supplies. The store's iconic neon sign, which still glows just off Canal Street, serves as a reminder of the significant role Pearl Paint played in New York City's rich artistic history.
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The store was founded in Brooklyn during the Great Depression by Louis Perlmutter
Pearl Paint was founded in Brooklyn during the Great Depression by Louis Perlmutter. The art supplies store was a family business that was passed down through the generations. Louis Perlmutter derived the store's name from his surname.
The store was an iconic empire in the art world and was a creative hub for artists of all levels and incomes. It was located on Canal Street in New York City, at the intersection of SoHo, TriBeCa, and Chinatown. The store was known for its neon "Pearl Paint" sign, which has now become a tribute to its historic place in the New York arts scene.
The business expanded over the years, with Robert Perlmutter, Louis's son, and his wife, Rosalind, opening 20 additional stores in 20 years. The Canal Street location, however, remained a significant part of the arts community, especially in the 1970s and 1980s. Artists and art students alike flocked to the store, creating a buzzing atmosphere, especially on weekends.
Unfortunately, Pearl Paint began to face challenges in the late 1990s. An investigation revealed that Robert Perlmutter had been skimming cash from the store's proceeds, leading to tax fraud charges and a prison sentence. The store struggled to recover, and despite Rosalind Perlmutter's efforts, it could not bounce back after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Pearl Paint eventually closed its doors in 2014, bringing an end to an eight-decade run as a beloved downtown art supply store. The building was converted into pricey rentals, with the former store's name being used as a selling point. The Perlmutter family's legacy in business extends beyond Pearl Paint. Isaac Perlmutter, a family member, became known for his business acumen, particularly in wholesale and retail. He formed Odd Lot Trading with a partner, buying and selling surplus stock. Isaac and his wife, Laura, are also notable for their philanthropy, having donated millions to medical centres and food banks.
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The Canal Street location was a hub for artists and played a significant role in the New York arts scene
The Canal Street location of Pearl Paint was a hub for artists and played a significant role in the New York arts scene. Artists from various fields, including painting, photography, and design, frequented the store for their art supplies. The store was known for its vast selection of art materials, including brushes, inks, paints, and glitter, catering to both professional artists and art students.
The physical store layout of Pearl Paint also contributed to its unique shopping experience. With six floors, each dedicated to different art categories, customers would strategically plan their purchases to minimise trips up and down the stairs. This vertical shopping experience created a sense of adventure and community, as artists often interacted with each other while navigating the store.
The location of the Canal Street store in a transitional area between SoHo, TriBeCa, and Chinatown further added to its allure. In the 1970s and 1980s, the surrounding neighbourhood was a vibrant artistic hub, attracting a diverse range of creatives. The store's longevity, dating back to its opening in 1933, also meant that it became an enduring symbol of New York, with its iconic red and white signage.
The staff at Pearl Paint were often artists themselves, providing knowledgeable advice and fostering a sense of community. Many artists, including celebrity painters, were regularly spotted shopping at Pearl Paint, adding to its reputation as a go-to destination for creatives. The store's closure in 2014 marked the end of an era, with artists expressing sadness and nostalgia for the iconic art supply store that had been a cornerstone of their creative endeavours.
Overall, the Canal Street location of Pearl Paint was integral to the New York arts scene, serving as a gathering place for artists, a source of inspiration, and a provider of art supplies for multiple generations. Its impact extended beyond its physical presence, influencing the artistic direction and practices of those who walked through its doors.
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The store closed in 2014 due to financial troubles and the impact of the 9/11 terrorist attacks
Pearl Paint, the legendary art-supply store on Canal Street, closed its doors in 2014, ending an eight-decade run as a supplier to multiple generations of artists. The store was founded in Brooklyn during the Great Depression by Louis Perlmutter, who derived the name "Pearl" from his surname. Over the years, Pearl Paint became a beloved fixture in the New York arts scene, known for its neon sign glowing just off Canal Street and its six storeys of art supplies.
However, the store began to face financial troubles in the late 1990s due to a combination of factors. Firstly, an investigation in 1996 revealed that the store's founder, Robert Perlmutter, had been skimming thousands of dollars in cash from the store's daily receipts, leading to a prison sentence for tax fraud and a criminal settlement. This incident also resulted in management being taken away from the family and a decline in the Perlmutter family's interest in the business.
The store also struggled to adapt to changes in the art scene and the economy. As the neighbourhood around Canal Street became more upscale, the store faced increasing competition and struggled to keep up with the changing demands of artists, who were now sending assistants to shop for them instead of coming in themselves. The 9/11 terrorist attacks also had a significant impact on the business, with sales declining in the years following the tragedy.
By the early 2010s, Pearl Paint was losing thousands of dollars a day, and the Perlmutter family made the difficult decision to close the remaining stores. The New York location closed its doors in May 2014, marking the end of an era for the iconic art supply store. Today, the former Canal Street headquarters has been converted into pricey rentals, with apartments renting for up to $18,000 per month.
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Cortlandt Alley, located near Pearl Paint, is a popular filming location for movies and TV shows
Pearl Paint, on the other hand, was a beloved art supply store that operated from 1933 until its closure in 2014. The flagship store, located on Canal Street, was known for its red and white signage and played a pivotal role in New York City's arts scene. Artists from various backgrounds, including celebrity painters, photographers, and art students, frequented the store for its diverse and affordable selection of art supplies. The store's six floors offered a range of products, from mould-making supplies on the sixth floor to paper on the third, creating a unique shopping experience.
The combination of Pearl Paint's artistic significance and Cortlandt Alley's popularity as a filming location showcases the vibrant and multifaceted nature of the neighbourhood. The area's grittiness and proximity to diverse neighbourhoods like Tribeca and Chinatown make it a versatile backdrop for filmmakers. The energy and creativity that once thrived within Pearl Paint's walls seamlessly blend with the dynamic atmosphere of Cortlandt Alley, making it a sought-after filming destination.
Over the years, Pearl Paint faced challenges due to IRS investigations, bankruptcy, and the changing art scene. The store's closure left a void in the hearts of many artists who cherished it as a hub for creativity and community. Despite its demise, Pearl Paint's legacy lives on, with the store's name still glowing in neon near Canal Street.
Cortlandt Alley continues to be a sought-after filming location, attracting film crews multiple times a week. Its iconic status in the world of film and television has solidified its place in New York City's cultural landscape, offering a fictionalised yet captivating portrayal of the city. The alley's unique character and versatility make it a go-to choice for filmmakers looking to capture the essence of New York in their productions.
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Frequently asked questions
Pearl Paint was located on Canal Street in New York City.
Pearl Paint closed in 2014.
Pearl Paint was an art supply store.
The former Pearl Paint store has been converted into pricey rentals, with the cheapest going for $16,000/month.
Yes, Pearl Paint was located on Canal Street, and Cortlandt Alley runs north to south from Canal Street to Franklin Street.
