Photographer Barbara Karant’s vivid tribute to the Johnson Publishing Company headquarters bridges bold mid-century design, Black cultural heritage, and architectural elegance.
In the world of interior styling, a truly extraordinary coffee table book does far more than simply look beautiful—it invites conversation, captures an era, and celebrates story. Photographer Barbara Karant’s masterpiece, 820 Ebony/Jet, accomplishes all three with breathtaking brilliance. Serving as both a stunning visual showcase and a powerful testament to American cultural history, this volume is an indispensible addition to any thoughtfully curated library or living space.
A Masterpiece of History and Style: Why ‘820 Ebony/Jet’ Belongs on Your Coffee Table
At the center of the book is the iconic eleven-story headquarters of the Johnson Publishing Company (JPC), located at 820 S. Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago. As the publishing powerhouse behind Ebony and Jet magazines, JPC stood as the premier Black-owned media corporation of its day. Over three years, Karant systematically documented the vacant building following the company’s departure, capturing the lingering spirit of a workplace that shaped Black American media, business, and fashion for generations.
Visually, the monograph is a triumph of mid- to late-twentieth-century design. Each floor of the building flaunted bespoke color palettes, rich textures, and dramatic geometric patterns that telegraphed forward-thinking luxury and creative freedom. Even stripped of its furnishings, the building’s residual wall coverings, vibrant carpets, and architectural flourishes retain an electrifying pulse. Among its standout features is the magnificent site-specific lobby sculpture created by renowned artist Richard Hunt, illustrating how art and architecture seamlessly intersected throughout the headquarters.
Beyond its graphic beauty, 820 Ebony/Jet delivers profound narrative depth across roughly 140 vivid full-color photographs. The imagery is enriched by scholarly essays exploring JPC’s legacy as a supreme tastemaker, archival photographs of the in-house photo studio, and intimate recollections from former staff members who walked those storied hallways. Together, these elements form an indelible portrait of creative brilliance and historical pride.
As a centerpiece for your home decor, 820 Ebony/Jet offers the ideal harmony of aesthetic distinction and intellectual substance. It invites guests to pause, flip through its luminous pages, and engage in meaningful conversations about design, heritage, and American history. For design enthusiasts and cultural connoisseurs alike, this exquisite volume is a essential statement piece that elevated design and lasting history truly deserve.
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