An Inspired Chat with Robert Berger of Inglewood

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Robert Berger. Check out our conversation below.

Robert, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Playing Pickleball and running on the beach. Been athletic my whole life but the last few years I’ve suffered some debilitating injuries that took a long time to heal.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a vintage furniture and accessory dealer with a showroom in Inglewood. Most of my inventory is from the 50’s through the 70’s. I was involved in the design industry as an architectural photographer for about 30 years before starting the furniture business. I photographed hotels, restaurants and residential properties, as well as produced books about specific genres of architecture in Los Angeles. When the sun set on my photo career, my background in the design industry was quite helpful in getting started. I have a usual and unusual collection that ranges from mid century modern to industrial.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Trekking for a month in the Himalayas about 35 years ago. I watched men carry 175 pound loads from a strap across their foreheads over a rocky path, barefoot. You realize how easy you have things and life could be much worse. Most of our worries are trivial, comparatively.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Be free and follow the path of things you enjoy and do not worry so much about finances. Missing opportunities because of the expense will most likely leave you with regrets. As you get older, you don’t want those regrets to pile up. Believe in yourself, work hard, and things usually work out.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That there is a shortage of mid century items available and every day is critical to find more things. Estate sales are becoming deceitful places with hand to hand combat. There are plenty of pieces to acquire. Los Angeles is a big, diverse place. If all the dealers just helped one another, the world would be a better place. Whether it be aiding someone having difficulties moving a large piece or sending them a lead on something they specialize in. Kindness will always come back to you.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
People will not understand the skill and knowledge level needed to create great photos before the digital world arrived. I produced 2 photography books about architecture in Los Angeles. Pages filled with fantastic historic buildings lit up to expose all their glory. The art and complexity of photography has diminsihed with the digital world’s ease of creating, retouching and editing images.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://vitnagevisions.weebly.com
• Instagram: vintagevisions_la
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robert.berger.5243