Watch CBS News

Revel In New York: Peter McGough, Artist

Produced by Scott Newman and Marc Santo

For over 30 years, the art duo of have been living as though it's the end of the 19th century. From an 1800's townhouse in the East Village they created their art by candlelight, lived without modern appliances and traveled through Manhattan on horseback complete with top hats and the finest couture from nearly a century ago.

As painters, photographers, playwrights and filmmakers, the artists came of age during the same East Village art scene that made superstars of Keith Haring (their one-time roommate) and Julian Schnabel (who's championed their work). Notorious in their own right and exhibited locally through Chelsea's prestigious Chime & Reid Gallery, McDermott & McGough have been the subjects of countless stories told both in print and oral legend.

Though the artists are quick to dismiss the notion of dandyism, with the success of Lord Whimsy's The Affected Provincial's Almanack, which is being made into a movie starring Johnny Depp, and the trend of throwback American gentlemen attire and etiquette, hopefully more people will be introduced to the beautiful and artistic world that McDermott & McGough have created.

Revel In New York

About Revel In New York

Revel in New York is a city and culture guide for curious travelers and locals alike. Through our original videos we introduce you to interesting New Yorkers that range from established artists, chefs, and musicians to the equally charismatic characters operating outside the margins of popular culture.

All of our videos are presented with our subject's personal recommendations about their favorite things to do in New York City as well as their suggestions on books, music, films and the cultural interests that have shaped their tastes. It is true that our character selection is subjective based upon people we like, but we hope you'll like them too, or at least find them interesting.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.