One of my most prized possessions is a leather jacket that belonged to the American pop artist Keith Haring. He presented installations in major galleries but his work was everywhere, particularly in New York, where he would paint on the streets, the subways, in schools, hospitals, nightclubs and, occasionally, onto clothing.
This particular jacket, decorated with a crucifix, belonged to his boyfriend. As far as I know, Haring only painted a handful of leather jackets of this type, including one for himself, one for his boyfriend and one for Madonna.
My partner and I bought it more than 20 years ago in a Philadelphia gallery. We were looking for a limited-edition print but then found this wonderful piece. It’s not just a work of art, but a slice of history from a really innovative and creative period in New York. I love the fact it wasn’t going to be hung in a gallery; it was to be worn as an item of self-expression at a time when Haring was involved in a lot of social activism, which was expressed through his art.
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We kept it for years at our home in London, and it came with us when we got the apartment in New York. Later, I learnt that Haring’s studio was only a couple of blocks away in the same neighbourhood, so it felt right to bring the jacket back to its rightful home. We’ve hung it on the wall; we’ve worn it to parties; our friends have photographs of them wearing it. People engage with it in the same way I do. That’s what I love about art: it makes you think, it makes you feel and it brings a sense of joy. Which is exactly what Keith Haring’s work is all about. leebroom.com
