Page, Chester, 1929-

Pianist and art connoisseur, Chester Page (1929 - ) studied music at the Mannes School in New York City with Hans Neumann and Frank Sheridan and has performed in numerous broadcasts and recital venues including the Mannes School, the New School (also in New York City), and the Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C. Page was a close confidant to Modernist American author, Djuna Barnes (1892-1982) during the final decade of her life, as well as a friend to several other major literary figures such as Marianne Moore (1887-1972), Bryher (1894-1983), and Elizabeth Bishop (1911-1979). Barnes and Page also shared a mutual friendship with Moore. In the spring of 1970, Page wrote to Barnes to introduce himself and to offer his assistance. He was invited to tea at Barnes's apartment at 5 Patchin Place in New York City on May 19, 1970, and from that moment forward, enjoyed a close friendship with the author until her death.

In a reminiscence of their relationship, published in Mary Lynn Broe's edition Silence and Power: A Reevaluation of Djuna Barnes, Page remembers how impressive Barnes was, even toward the end of her life.

Our friendship . . . Became, to our mutual surprise, rather close. Among memorable outings together were a shopping trip to Altman's on Fifth Avenue, where she was an awe-inspiring figure with her cape and cane and regal posture; a nearly disastrous afternoon at an Ingmar Bergman film, two hours of unrelenting gloom, from which we were rescued by having tea at the Palm Court of the Plaza. There a violinist played melodies from the 1920s and 1930s and ladies in cloche hats appeared as if on cue. I never dreamed such things still existed,' said Miss Barnes. (Broe, 363)

When Barnes's vision began to fail due to cataracts, and she was unable to secure a satisfactory prognosis and treatment, Page suggested an eminent eye surgeon, who was able to restore much of her sight. After Barnes's death on June 18, 1982, Page became an invaluable source of information on the reclusive author during her final days. He had managed a closeness which Barnes bestowed on a select few.

To Page, "Djuna Barnes was incomparable. I consider all those afternoons spent with her in her gloomy little apartment, listening to her fabulous wit, or commiserating with her on the state of the world, feeling her affection and concern, one of the great privileges of my life." (Broe, 364)

From the guide to the Chester Page Collection, 1933-1992, 1970-1973, (Literature and Rare Books)