Oral History Interview with William Wooby, 1947-

William Wooby recounts his arrival in D.C. from New York, his work in the D.C. arts world, and reflects on gay life in D.C.

Bill Wooby moved to Washington, D.C., from New York in his early 20s, after serving in the Army. He worked at Lost and Found and Pier 9, both gay establishments. Later, he owned The Collector Art Gallery Restaurant, first on U St and then in Dupont Circle. He was one of the organizers of the 1989 artists protest at the Corcoran Gallery of Art after it had canceled a Mapplethorpe exhibition, “Robert Mapplethorpe: the Perfect Moment.” He also discussed his partner Bob Carter, with whom he had been with for 36 years. Discussion covered: the Hideaway, Lost and Found, Pier 9, JJs Place, Mark II Theater, the Fireplace, Washington Project for the Arts, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Robert Mapplethorpe, The Collector Art Gallery Restaurant, and the Millennium Arts Center.

1960s-present

Jerry Wei

Washington, D.C.

No, not yet available.

Yes, recording available, 01:01:18
(audio .m4a, 10.9 MB)