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About

Founded in 1984, Moderne Gallery is internationally renowned as a leading dealer of exceptional art and design from the 20th and 21st Centuries. With a specialized knowledge of works from the Studio Craft Movement, Moderne Gallery has established a reputation as an authority on works by designers such as George Nakashima and Wharton Esherick. In 1985 Moderne Gallery was pioneering in its exhibition of the work of George Nakashima and continues to maintain the finest and largest selection in the US of the designer’s 1940’s-1980’s designs. The gallery has also extended its inventory to include vintage work by Sam Maloof, Wendell Castle, Arthur Espenet Carpenter, David Ebner, Peter Voulkos, Toshiko Takaezu, Viola Frey, Edward Moulthrop, William Hunter and many others as well as an extensive range of historical and contemporary ceramics from the US, Europe and Japan.

Since 2010 Moderne Gallery has been co-directed by Robert Aibel and his son Joshua and in 2020, relocated to a 16,000 sq. ft. location in the Port Richmond district of Philadelphia where the large gallery space provides opportunity for its compelling exhibitions of international art and design from the 20th and 21st centuries.

Robert Aibel

Gallery Founder and Co-Director

Robert Aibel founded Moderne Gallery in 1984, reflecting his own interests and passions for 20th Century design. Since then, Aibel’s visionary approach has established the gallery as a leading authority on the American Studio Craft Movement, Wharton Esherick and George Nakashima.

Described by Architectural Digest as “the world’s leading Nakashima dealer”, Aibel has built an international reputation as a valued voice on 20th Century design while maintaining a strong presence in his home city of Philadelphia. A former professor of Aesthetic and Visual Communication at the University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg School and at Drexel University.  Aibel has served on the board of 20th and 21st Century decorative arts and design group (COLLAB) of the Philadelphia Museum of Art for 35 years, on the George Nakashima Woodworkers’ Advisory Board for 15 year, as well as being one of the founders of the Old City Art Association and First Friday in Philadelphia.

Passionate about sharing his knowledge, Aibel is the author of several publications on film and aesthetic communication and producer/director of award-winning documentaries including the films “A Country Auction” and “Can I Get a Quarter?” that focus on the role of antiques in society.

Joshua Aibel

Gallery Co-Director and Design Director

As a second-generation expert in the world of art and design, Joshua Aibel has a deep-rooted connection to the furniture and art in which Moderne Gallery specializes. Joshua was raised amidst a culture of artistic excellence and has honed his eye through a lifetime of immersion in this field.

Joshua began his career with Moderne Gallery in 2008 as an apprentice in the restoration studio. Starting his career by working with furniture in this way allowed him to build an intimate understanding from his close interaction with the pieces. He possesses extensive knowledge of the materials, techniques, and styles used to create the furniture and his passion for this art form was always evident in his meticulous approach to his work.

In his current role as Design Director of Moderne Gallery, Joshua is a driving force behind the evolution of the gallery.  Working closely with his father, Robert, he oversaw the successful relocation of the gallery to a 16,000 sq. ft. space in the Port Richmond district of Philadelphia in 2019. Joshua has also spearheaded the gallery’s recent rebranding efforts and curates the design of the gallery’s exhibitions both in Philadelphia and at international shows and fairs, such as Design Miami/ and Salon New York.

In recognition of his contributions to the field, Joshua joined the board of the Museum of Art in Wood in 2022. His unwavering commitment to excellence and his deep knowledge of the industry have made him a key figure in pioneering the new direction of Moderne Gallery.

Through his tireless work and dedication, Joshua is helping to expand the reach of Moderne Gallery and bring the unique styles of the Studio Craft Movement to a wider audience. His passion for this art form and his commitment to ensuring that Moderne Gallery continues to be at the forefront of the industry make him an invaluable asset to the gallery and to the broader world of art and design.

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