“Vogue-vagueness”

Abstract George is frustrated by Alexander Liberman’s displeasure with his Mann portraits and by delayed completion of Vogue Studio. House renovation costs discourage travel East. His decorators initiate a lawsuit. On business in New York, George joins Vogue photographers in a group portrait by Irving Penn. Barbara Wescott is hospitalized for depression in spring 1947. In Hollywood, George invites “ice cream impresario” Wilbur Wright to rent a room with his young lover, Randy Jack. Wilbur and George do not get on, but Randy remains, sharing George’s bed. Needing new quarters, Katherine Anne moves in with George and Randy. Anticipating a return to New York City, George scouts Junco Studios for workspace. George leaves Hollywood at the end of his two-year contract. By May 1948, he and Randy stay at Russell’s before renting on East 52nd. Soon, Randy is gone. Within weeks, George takes up with an ex of Bernard Perlin’s, the appealing and self-sufficient Chuck Howard.