When we were designing the Blackwing 24, our tribute to literary icon John Steinbeck, I had the honor of meeting John’s son Thom. Thom welcomed us into his home and, as we sat on his living room sofa, sipping coffee and marveling at the artifacts…

In 1887, Joseph Pulitzer’s New York World tasked Nellie Bly, a yet unknown journalist, with investigating the insane asylum on New York’s Blackwell’s Island. What follows is the full series that was the result of her investigation. The events depicted are sensitive and, in many cases, disturbing, but they have been unedited and presented here in their entirety.

The Blackwing Loft is officially open at Rough Trade NYC! This evolving space will be home to one-of-a-kind art installations, events and workshops, and exclusive in-store products.