One can only imagine the parties that occurred on the fifth floor at 231 East 47th Street during the 60s, for this was Andy Warhol‘s Factory, the very studio in which his famous silkscreens were created on a daily basis; a veritable hot-spot that welcomed a steady stream of visitors that included, amongst many, many others, Jagger, Dylan, Capote, Ginsberg, Dali, Morrison, and Burroughs. From 1965 the Factory even had a house band of sorts, in the form of The Velvet Underground. No wonder the parties were so regular and legendary. It was the place to be.

With that in mind, it’s hard not to sympathise with Warhol’s landlord at the time…

Transcript follows. Image found in the stunning book, The Velvet Underground: New York Art.

Transcript

ELK REALTY, INC.

1107 BROADWAY

NEW YORK, N. Y. 10010

AREA CODE 212

WATKINS 4-3560 November 15, 1965 Mr. Andy Warhol

231 East 47 Street

New York, New York Dear Mr. Warhol: We have been advised that you have been giving parties in the fourth floor space occupied by you. We understand that they are generally large parties and are held after usual office hours. We have found that your guests have left debris and litter in the public areas which you have never bothered to clean. Further, we feel that a congregation of the number of people such as you have had may be contrary to various applicable governmental rules and regulations and also might present a serious problem with the Fire Department regulations. Your lease, of course, does not permit such use and occupancy and you hereby directed not to have any such parties in this building. Very truly yours, ELK REALTY, INC., Agents (Signed) Alfred R. Goldstein

President ARG:sd