c. 1920s Taking Photos at Don Dickerman's Tea Room, Greenwich Village, NYC Photo For Sale

DATE: c. 1920'sPHOTOGRAPHER: UnknownSUBJECT: Don Dickerman's Tea Room (see bio below)PROCESS: Silver GelatinSIZE: 8" x 10"CONDITION: Some creasing. Paper loss to right edge and all four corners. Edgewear. See photosSHIPPING: Shipping cost is non-negotiable, please consider it when offerding/buying.COMBINED SHIPPING: Yes, I do combine shipping. Additional shipping per item is 20% of the lower shipping cost [For example, if 2 items are purchased that have a $30 and $10 shipping cost each, the combined shipping cost becomes $32 for the 2 items]. If offerding/buying more than 1 item, please wait for an invoice with combined shipping before Dickerman's Tea Room, opened in 1916 in Greenwich Village, was the first major venture by the eccentric American artist and showman Don Dickerman. Originally conceived as a whimsical spot where he could display and sell his hand-painted pirate-themed toys and artwork, the tea room quickly grew into a theatrical and immersive experience that captivated the bohemian scene of New York City. Tucked into a basement at 133 Washington Place, the space was transformed into a dim, candlelit den filled with nautical decor, pirate flags, and handmade curiosities. Dickerman, often dressed in full pirate regalia, personally greeted guests, adding a touch of eccentric charm to the experience.The Tea Room became known as The Pirate’s Cave and attracted a crowd of artists, writers, and downtown socialites drawn to its strange and fantastical ambiance. A hidden trapdoor behind a "Dead Man's Chest" led to a secret lower chamber, further enhancing its legend. Though the tea room closed in 1918 due to a landlord dispute, its brief existence left a lasting impression on Greenwich Village nightlife and launched Dickerman's career in themed entertainment.Following the closure, Dickerman expanded the pirate concept with a series of larger venues known as The Pirate’s Den, opening locations in New York, Miami, and Hollywood throughout the 1920s through 1940s. These spaces became increasingly elaborate and theatrical, featuring pirate-costumed staff, ship-like interiors, and live entertainment. Celebrities and investors like Rudy Vallee, Bing Crosby, and Bob Hope were drawn to the novelty and immersive experience of his clubs. In 1940, the Hollywood Pirate’s Den opened with significant buzz, representing the peak of Dickerman’s flair for spectacle.Dickerman's work pioneered immersive theme-based dining and nightlife long before such experiences became mainstream. Despite financial setbacks, including a bankruptcy during the Great Depression, he continued to open clubs and produce artistic works well into his later years. His legacy is that of a creative visionary who merged art, storytelling, and performance to build fantastical spaces that left guests feeling like they had stepped into another world.