Robert Zion and Friends
Approximately 1986
Color Photograph
8” x 10”

Minimum Bid: $200

Unknown Artist (Zion Photo)
Donated by Donald Richardson, FASLA

Bio: The firm of Zion & Breen was founded in New York City in 1957 by Robert L. Zion, who had worked with I. M. Pei. He recruited Harold Breen as a partner. Together they embarked on numerous projects throughout the New York region. I joined the firm in 1961, and knew and worked with Bob Zion for over 30 years. As a graduate of Harvard GSD, I worked for Hideo Sasaki and met Bob and Harold Breen, his partner, on a field trip to Roosevelt Field in the early 1960’s. I was impressed by the simplicity and elegance of his designs, as well as the clear structure and organization of the projects he had completed. Harold Breen died in 1996, and after the sudden death of Robert Zion in 2000, the business continues under my leadership, operating under the name of Zion Breen & Richardson Associates. The firm has been honored with more than fifty national and regional awards for design excellence.

Artist Statement: Robert Zion was a world-renowned Landscape Architect, who moved from New York City to Cream Ridge, New Jersey, in 1964, to realize his dream of living and working in the country. He lived in an 18th century, wood-shingled farmhouse, at the center of a 200-acre farm he shared with a donkey, a pony, seven dogs, four horses, 13 barn cats, 2 pigs, and more than 100 deer, and an extensive tree nursery. Whenever possible, he commuted on horseback to his office, a 300-year old mill, which he completely refurbished, saving it from destruction. Here he is pictured with five of his Borzoi dogs (Russian Wolfhounds) at his farm. Robert Zion lived his life in harmony with nature and lived his philosophy in his daily life and work through his interactions with animals, plants, and people.