Rare Book, Art Dealer John McWhinnie Dies in British Virgin Islands
Police say he was victim of snorkeling accident while art world mourns his untimely passing.
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Noted rare book and art dealer John McWhinnie, who lived and worked in East Hampton and Manhattan, died in a snorkeling accident while vacationing in the British Virgin Islands on Friday.
British Royal Police said McWhinnie, 43, and his wife, jewelry designer Maria Beaulieu, were snorkeling on a coral reef on Savannah Bay beach on the island of Virgin Gorda, which is about a half-hour from Tortola.
McWhinnie was at the helm of Glenn Horowitz Bookseller, a bookstore and art gallery that specializes in the history of the 20th and 21st century avant-garde in art, literature, photography and design, located in Manhattan and in East Hampton. He managed Glenn Horowitz's flagship East Hampton business for eight years before the joint venture was founded in 2005, according to his website.
Acting Chief Inspector Jacqueline Vanterpool said by phone on Saturday that the couple were having difficulty swimming in a rough current and were pulled out to sea at about 1:25 p.m. A man on the beach tried to rescue them and pulled Beaulieu from the water first. "When he went back for the husband, he could not find him," Vanterpool said.
Police and fire department personnel were called and found McWhinnie floating in the water, unresponsive, less than a half-hour later about 10 to 12 feet from the coral reef, Vanterpool said. Attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead at 1:55 p.m.
The couple had been staying at Rosewood Little Dix Bay Resort. Vanterpool said "some of the beaches do have that kind of troubling water" and that officials try to warn tourists not to go too far out in the bay.
According to Vanterpool, McWhinnie and Beaulieu had some coral in hand when they got caught in the current. "An officer retrieved them from her," Vanterpool said. "It was very sad yesterday."
Vanterpool said an autopsy will be conducted by Monday, though McWhinnie's death appears accidental and is not being treated as suspicious. She did note that he had a dent in the middle of his forehead," which was possibly from hitting a rock.
At the Newtown Lane location of Glenn Horowitz books, McWhinnie shared a space in Harper's Books. Owner Harper Levine said he was still in shock after hearing the news of his close friend's death.
"It's a terrible tragedy for the book and the art world," said Levine who knew McWhinnie since 2001. "The ripples in the art and the book world has already started," he said, adding that McWhinnie was a champion of local artists like Richard Prince, Cindy Sherman, Matthew Satz, Nicholas Weber, Peter Sabbath, Jameson Ellis.
Weber flew to be with Beaulieu. After landing, he wrote in an email that McWhinnie was a loyal, generous friend, admired by many. "The only thing that eclipsed John's intelligence is his heart. He loved artists, encouraged us to develop our work, and would become animated and inspired during a studio visit if he saw something good," he said.
McWhinnie had created a lot of the excitement in fine art and rare books. "One of the things John was a genius at was blurring the lines of the disciplines," Levine said. "He was one of the only people who bridged all those different worlds."
For an interview with John McWhinnie, click here.
Harper Levine
4:07 pm on Saturday, January 7, 2012
This is a terrible tragedy. I am still in shock, as I have been since hearing the news. My heart goes out to Maria, and to John's parents and siblings. John was a towering figure in so many ways here on the East End. He was close friend, colleague, and confidant. It is impossible to put into words the influence he had on so many people. I can not believe he is no longer here.
George Meredith
4:36 pm on Saturday, January 7, 2012
John has been a friend and confidant and so much more for more than a decade.
Reading the announcement of his passing was unique in some strange way. Like lightening striking. Impossible!? Our love and a terrible heartbreak go out to Maria and all those so close to John. Love from Beth and George Meredith.
Christina Strassfield
5:18 pm on Saturday, January 7, 2012
So very sad to hear about this terrible tragedy. Our prayers go out to his family.
Christina Strassfield, Guild Hall Museum
kate mueth
5:59 pm on Saturday, January 7, 2012
Our sincere and deepest sympathies to all that knew and loved John.
Donal Lardner Ward
8:53 pm on Saturday, January 7, 2012
John was a truly lovely guy. My sincerest condolences to his family.
Donal Lardner Ward
Steven Gaines
6:15 am on Sunday, January 8, 2012
What a terrible tragedy. My condolences to everyone who loved him.
BookHampton, Charline Spektor
6:54 am on Sunday, January 8, 2012
We join the book community in mourning the sudden loss of our friend and neighbor, the brilliant John McWhinnie. -Charline & Jeremy, BookHampton
cindy sherman
9:19 am on Sunday, January 8, 2012
i am stunned by this terribly tragic news. i had just seen John & Maria on Xmas eve and learning about his current passion for daguerreotypes. John had an talent for discovering and combining eccentrically diverse visual & verbal oddities. he was one-of-a-kind, a curatorial genius. my heart goes out to his family and especially to Maria, who John was devoted to. this is horribly saddening news.
Addison Thompson
10:01 am on Sunday, January 8, 2012
Addison Thompson
Tragic news about a great Art Dealer and friend.
Jessica Butterbaugh
10:08 am on Sunday, January 8, 2012
I can't stop thinking about this terrible news. It was wonderful to be John's colleague for almost 7 years, to learn from him and to be influenced by his creative vision. He was one of the smartest and most witty people I have ever met. My heart goes out to Maria; they had something special.
Beau Friedlander
11:44 am on Sunday, January 8, 2012
What a tragedy. John was very good to me--super smart, and a fantastic person to be around. A true original.
Stephen Koch
1:21 pm on Sunday, January 8, 2012
I only came to know John this year, when he mounted the show about Peter Hujar's life, Influential Friends. John's personal presence was electric; his creative energy a wonderful thing to behold, his taste was perfect (but PERFECT!) and his mind was as interesting as any I've encountered in years. The world may not know it yet, but it has just been robbed blind in this terrible loss.
Casey Allen Waters
2:19 am on Monday, January 9, 2012
I was lucky enough to meet John through his passion for daguerreotypes. I visited him twice in NYC in his element and twice in mine searching for photos at Brimfield. His presence always left me smiling and looking forward to our next encounter. He was one of the coolest people I've ever met. I loved how he was able to understand all the things I told him about daguerreotypes and offer his own interpretations. I loved how he talked and told me about different artists that were new to me. He started as a client and was becoming a friend. For the short time I knew him, he helped inject vigor and good vibes into my life and business. I am grateful to have know him and wish it would have been longer. I will miss him dearly.
Casey Allen Waters
Dianne Benson
1:37 pm on Sunday, January 8, 2012
My dreams of having John join our LongHouse Arts Committee are dashed...along with so many many other cherished ideas. He was refreshingly individual, making new connections, revitalizing concepts. My heart and prayers go out to his wife...and to Glenn too. Very very sad
Taylor Stockdale
2:08 pm on Sunday, January 8, 2012
John was such a special soul with a great heart, electric spirit and wonderful intelligence! My thoughts and prayers go out to Maria, his family and friends!
Bob Colacello
4:41 pm on Sunday, January 8, 2012
I am still in a state of shock about this terrible terrible news. John was not only a genius at what he did, but also a gentleman in the way he did it. How unfair that someone so good should go so young. I send my heartfelt condolences to Maria and the McWhinnie family. Bob Colacello
Anthony Petrillose
4:56 pm on Sunday, January 8, 2012
A terrible loss beyond words. So sad.
Danny Fields
5:00 pm on Sunday, January 8, 2012
Devastating, dreadful and terrible news, an inestimable loss. John was so brilliant, elegant, cool, funny perceptive, charming....adjectives fail at this point. He re-invented the curatorial sensibility for these times. My deepest sympathy to his wife.
nanette
5:46 pm on Sunday, January 8, 2012
A wise and gentle person; not to be forgotten...A tragedy beyond words...With heartfelt condolences to lovely Maria and the McWhinnie family. Nanette Stutterheim
April Gornik
8:58 pm on Sunday, January 8, 2012
John was a great person, bright, audacious, wonderful. This is a horribly untimely tragedy. My heart goes out to Maria and their family. Terrible, terrible news.
Rylan Jacka
9:06 pm on Sunday, January 8, 2012
We are in shock from this terrible news. John's friendship was special to me. His witty commentary, stylish ways and rockin dance moves will always be remembered.
Simon Taylor
11:06 pm on Sunday, January 8, 2012
What a terrible tragedy. John was intelligent, witty, handsome, a pleasure to be around. I'm so sorry, Maria, for your loss.
Laura Beaulieu Haines
12:14 am on Monday, January 9, 2012
I am taking much comfort in reading the kind words everyone has to say about John. As someone who has known him as a big brother for over 20 years, the sense of loss I feel is overwhelming. I will cherish evey memory I have of who was the most amazing man I have ever known.
fran donovan
8:48 am on Monday, January 9, 2012
Fran Donovan
I'm so sorry to hear the news of John. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
Paul Collins
9:46 am on Monday, January 9, 2012
Paul Collins
John is my cousin! I have been praying for his wife Maria, his sister Lisa and her family, and his Mom and Dad since receiving the horrible phone call yesterday! My heart is breaking for them and for all his friends who also loved him. John, I will see you again in heaven. You will be missed in a great way!
Christopher Flach
10:27 am on Monday, January 9, 2012
My heartfelt condolences to the McWhinnie family. Christopher Flach
Dovanna Pagowski
10:49 am on Monday, January 9, 2012
Rest in peace, John - brilliant & generous soul. Your Upper East Side Gallery was one of my favorite in the City, both for content and elegant social gathering. My condolances to friends and family.
Carol Mccranie
10:50 am on Monday, January 9, 2012
The news stunned us to the core yesterday. John was the MOST rare treasure -- his calling to his profession most divine - his passions and vision so brilliant and inspiring. We were extraordinarily gifted with his presence. Yes, a community who cherished his genius sensibility are wide-eyed in disbelief and mourning a great loss. "The stars look very different today"--D.B. ---To John's family - to Maria - we express our deepest sorrow and condolences.. --Carol McCranie & Xavier Magri
Robert Eng
2:30 pm on Monday, January 9, 2012
We have known John and Maria since 2003. One could not ask for a more admirable, kinder, understanding couple. We are devastated by this news and cannot get it out of our mind. Such a loss. John: we wish you Godspeed; it is indeed unfortunate that you could not have remained with us longer. Maria: please accept our sincerest condolences and sympathy, in this, your hour of need. Please reach out to us if we can be of any assistance. --- Maryam and Robert
Lisa Paradis
2:47 pm on Monday, January 9, 2012
Reading these beautiful comments has given me, John's sister, and our parents, John and Betty McWhinnie, a great deal of comfort. Our hearts are breaking...for us...for his beautiful wife, Maria, and for all those whose lives John has touched. To John, beloved husband, cherished son and brother, and fun-filled uncle: We will miss your gentle spirit, witty banter, generous heart, and brilliant mind. Your good works will always follow you. You will be in our hearts forever. Your loving parents, John and Betty, sister, Lisa, brother-in-law, Paul, niece, Kate, and nephew, Ryan. We love you and miss you, John!!!!
Nina Dubin
11:03 pm on Thursday, January 12, 2012
Dear Lisa,
I am in shock - I just came across the news today in the paper. I first met Maria and John when John was still working at Columbia and don't know that I've actually seen them together since our wedding which took place exactly a year after theirs (we live in chicago now). I am devastated for her and for you and for your family -- my husband vividly remembers speaking with your parents at the rehearsal dinner and being touched by just how overwhelmingly proud they were of their dear son. That wedding was magical, unforgettable -- not only because of how special Maria and John were together but because of what a magnificent family you are. Maria and John-- I cannot imagine the one without the other. Is there a funeral or memorial service being planned? I am so, so sorry for this shattering loss -- John was just unique, his own person, there was no one like him, and how intensely loved he was...
My heart goes out to you.
Nina Dubin
Natalie Cicci Gaudreau
10:09 pm on Thursday, January 19, 2012
Lisa,
Please give your parents and siblings condolences from my family and I. I have not seen your parents in years, but I do remember them well. Joan (your aunt and my mother-in-law) told me she had spoken to your father the day before we went to visit and she told me what had happened. Please know your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Natalie
Jonathan Brown
3:28 pm on Monday, January 9, 2012
Dear John,
Your absence leaves a gaping hole that will echo for a very long time. We will all honor your memory. We know that our lives were enlarged and charmed by your presence.
Requiescat in pace
edsel williams
3:38 pm on Monday, January 9, 2012
This is what "some times life isn't fair" feels like.
John was a rare bird - a creative force - and a graceful, classy man.
A consumate teacher via his contagious enthusiasm for his interests.
MANY have learned so much from John, myself included.
This leaves a huge hole in the hearts (and minds) of many.
My condolences to the family, especially Maria.
Edsel Williams
Sam Shahid
4:11 pm on Monday, January 9, 2012
I'm going to miss his great love for books and art. So very sad his death. He was as important as the artist he represented.
Sam Shahid
Jennifer Prince Crandall
8:13 pm on Monday, January 9, 2012
I did not know the John spoken about in the many wonderful comments written here, having only met him a handful of times. I do know him as the man who made my "first friend" so happy over the last twenty plus years, and for that, I thank you, John. You will be missed. I love you, Mimi.
Catamount Mayhugh
9:21 pm on Monday, January 9, 2012
I will always be grateful to John for giving me my first gallery installation and my first solo exhibition (as well as my first gig as a curator) at Glenn’s bookshop in East Hampton. He was always supportive and enthusiastic about my art. I hope he’s found peace. My deepest condolences to Maria and his family.
Amy Zachary LCSW, MA
2:01 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
I sold several books to John over the years and he was true blue. I never doubted his integrity for a second. I sold him a rare edition of "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" by Anita Loos and inscribed to my father which also contained a handwritten letter from Loos to a gentleman friend living in England. Neither John not I recognized the name but that only succeeded in firing him up and tackling the problem like an intrepid explorer. It was clear that he genuinely loved books. To John, they were not "things', they had souls.
Shellee Kuper
3:57 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
My heart goes out to Mimi, his beloved wife. She is one of the most beautiful, sweet, caring people I have ever got to meet. I did not have the pleasure of meeting John, but Mim's sister Laura has told me so much about him I feel like I have. It is apparent by reading these comments that he was loved and adored and will forever be missed. My heart aches for his family and friends and I offer my deepest condolences.
Lola Montes Schnabel
5:13 pm on Wednesday, January 11, 2012
John was an example of culture in it's highest form , a poet and constant in his wonder fullness; the rarest treasure in his world . Maria you were his Queen .
A devastating loss to one of the great thinkers of our time. I will miss our magical conversations and the endless references you so carefully articulated with your magical mind.. May we all enamor to live with such thoughtfulness intuition and bravery and wit. You will be remembered forever my sweet friend. . Ps thank you for the good bye gift there was no " Transition " from the moment I received it and this dreadful news
One Love
Pamela Sztybel
10:23 pm on Wednesday, January 11, 2012
I am saddened by this tragic news. John and I worked together on a show in East Hampton a number of years ago. He was wonderful to collaborate with and I remember how proud he was of his wife's work. My deepest sympathy to Maria, his family, and his friends.
Sheila Brown
6:18 am on Thursday, January 12, 2012
John was an amazing human being. All my love to Maria. I remember their beautiful wedding day and all the love they shared.
Robert Sussman
4:59 am on Friday, January 20, 2012
Never heard of him
tm
9:24 am on Friday, January 20, 2012
then why take the time and comment? just to be an a**?
Jesse Castle
11:32 pm on Friday, January 20, 2012
Where's the funeral going to be? Will it be an open event?
Valerie Chipman
11:07 pm on Thursday, April 26, 2012
I met John's parent's last night in a restaurant in Maine. They are so clearly heartbroken and bewildered from this tragic event. They are lovely people and it sounds as though John was a one in a million type of guy. My thoughts and prayers go to his wife, friends and family. I am so sorry for your loss.