Brian Merlis Sold at Auction Prices

b. 1955 -

Brian Merlis was born in Brooklyn in 1955. As an adult he began collecting picture postcards of Brooklyn and soon expanded to ephemera -- old printed matter like posters, ads and theater programs -- and, especially, documentary photographs. Brian's work focuses on the west end of Long Island. He is considered the leading authority on the history of Kings County, known to most of us as Brooklyn. That is where he was born and raised. Brian's website, www.Brooklynpix.com, offers 2,000 images selected from his important archive of early Brooklyn and New York City. Photos from his collection have been used to create bank murals, restaurant and office decorations, have been seen on many television show sets, and have been used in Ken Burns-directed documentaries. A consultant to experts working with architects and landmarks preservationists, Brian has built what many now consider a private historical society. His collection is not only photos, but includes books, maps, ephemera, film, post cards, and rare documents. Brian taught music and special education classes for 25 years, and has worked as a professional musician.