A Life Lived in Light adn Shadow: Inside Don Bachardy’s Historic Home and Legacy
Don Bachardy,a celebrated portraitist,continues to reside in the santa Monica Canyon home he shared for decades with his partner,the acclaimed novelist Christopher Isherwood. This isn’t just a house; it’s a living testament to a vibrant artistic and literary partnership, a space steeped in history and brimming with personal significance. Let’s explore the enduring spirit of this remarkable home and the artist who still calls it his own.
A Portrait of enduring Connection
Bachardy’s artistic relationship with Isherwood was a defining aspect of both their lives. He painted Isherwood repeatedly throughout their years together,a process he acknowledges wasn’t always easy. “It’s always challenging to do something that’s worth doing,whether it was Christopher or a hundred other people,” Bachardy reflects. Living with a subject, especially a fellow artist, presents unique challenges, but Isherwood embraced the process with grace.
The most poignant and emotionally resonant of Bachardy’s portraits of Isherwood were created during his final days and immediately after his passing. These works offer a raw and intimate glimpse into mortality and loss. Isherwood’s death at Adelaide Drive,at the age of 81,left an irreplaceable void in Bachardy’s life. “He was irreplaceable, one of a kind,” Bachardy states, adding, “I probably miss him more then ever because it’s been such a long time since he went another way.”
A Home’s Enduring Appeal
Despite the passage of time, Bachardy remains deeply connected to the house they shared. It’s a question many have asked: why stay? “Oh,I think my feet are as itchy as any other person’s!” he quips. Tho, the house holds a special place in his heart. “This is a precious, marvelous house. I love it and would hate to leave it. Isn’t that what most people feel about their home?”
He continues to paint, driven by the same passion that has fueled his career. “Yes, I am painting because that’s what I do,” Bachardy explains. ”The same things I’ve always done: paintings of people, portraits. It can be difficult but not enough to stymie me.” When asked about his continued good health, he responds with characteristic wit: ”I think I’ve been lucky in quite a few departments.”
Echoes of the Past: The Iconic Furniture
Many art enthusiasts remember the distinctive rattan chairs featured prominently in David Hockney’s famous painting of Bachardy and Isherwood.The chairs, a recognizable symbol of their life together, are still in Bachardy’s possession. Though, they are currently in storage due to deterioration.
Their potential value hasn’t escaped notice. As one acquaintance noted, “That’s why they’re in storage.” There are plans to potentially restore the chairs and return them to the property. The future of the house itself remains open, as it is indeed held in a trust. It could become a residence, perhaps a retreat for writers and painters, echoing its vibrant past.
Facing Adversity with Resilience
The house faced a threat earlier this year when wildfires swept through nearby pacific Palisades. Fortunately, the danger was relatively limited. “We were only moderately endangered,” Bachardy recounts. “The fire wasn’t really close.” Despite the risk, he chose to stay, declaring, “If the house burns down, I prefer to stay in it.” this decision speaks volumes about his deep attachment to the home and the memories it holds.
An Upcoming Auction and Lasting Legacy
A collection of works by Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy will be auctioned by Christie’s in New York next month. You can view the collection at Christie’s, London, from October 17-22. This auction offers a unique opportunity to acquire pieces from two important figures in 20th-century art and literature.
Significant Note: This article was amended on October 8, 2025, to correct a previous inaccuracy regarding awards received for A Single Man.
