Last week, more than 150 guests gathered to honor the late Albert Hadley at the New York School of Interior Design’s Benefit Cocktail Reception at the Park Avenue Armory. The highlight of the evening was the announcement that the late interior designer had bequest nearly half a million dollars to the School.

John Rosselli, Bunny Williams, David Kleinberg

“Albert cared about many things in life, and we are grateful that one of them was the New York School of Interior Design,” said NYSID President David Sprouls. “As a long-time member of our Advisory Board, Hadley gave generously of his time and, as founder and benefactor of the Albert Hadley Scholarship fund, he made significant contributions to NYSID students and the education they receive. And while we are all saddened by his death last March, I am honored, excited, and humbled to report that his legacy lives on even more so thanks to his generous bequest of almost half a million dollars to the New York School of Interior Design. I couldn’t be more pleased to make this announcement tonight amongst friends of Albert’s and NYSID’s.”

Inge Heckel, David Sprouls

The event was in conjunction with the AVENUE Antiques, Art & Design at the Armory Show’s Private Opening Night VIP Preview Event, where visitors got a sneak peek at high-quality art, antiques and jewelry from over 50 dealers.

The event was co-chaired by Bunny Williams, Brian McCarthy, and David Kleinberg – all of whom trained under Hadley before starting their own firms – as well as NYSID’s Alumni Council President and Chair Allison Russell Davis. Among those who attended were Geoffrey Bradfield, Mario Buatta, Ellie Cullman, Jill Dienst, Melvin Dwork, David Easton, Alexa Hampton, Inge Heckel, Ilene Judell, Lana Lawrence, Ruth Lynford, Charles Pavarini III, Cynthia Hazen Polsky, Susan Nagle and Peter Bentel, Arthur Satz, David Scott, Kevin Sharkey, Stephen Sills, Britton Smith, Patricia and Michael Sovern, William Spink, and Ilene Wetson.

The celebration of the life and career of Albert Hadley continues on Monday, September 24, 2012 at NYSID’s A Day of Design Lecture Series, which takes place at the AVENUE Antiques, Art & Design Show at the Armory. RSVP to at http://avenueshows.com/rsvp.

10am: Panel Discussion - Albert Hadley: A Heritage of Riches. Designers Bunny Williams, David Kleinberg and Britton Smith, client Diana Quasha and journalist Jennifer Boles will review legendary Hadley interiors and share fond memories of the multi-talented and much-loved designer. Moderated by Inge Heckel, Trustee Emeritus and former President of NYSID.

11am: The Artful Interior: Choosing and Using Art presented by designer David Scott

Noon: Decorating with Antiques for Today presented by Mario Buatta

1pm: The Bright Side of Design: Composing with Color presented by designer Valerie Mead

2pm: Finishing Touches: Essential Details and Accessories presented by Ellie Cullman and Tracy Pruzan, Cullman & Kravis Inc.