Claudio Caponigro’s Last Days

Very bitter sweet about these images. Not at all happy about what I was able to get, but honored to have been in this place at all. It’s barbers like this, that inspired me to start this project. Claudio Caponigro came to this county from Italy long before my parents were even born. To say he is an old school Italian would be a huge understatement. He has been cutting hair in this East Harlem shop for 62 years. Claudio’s Barber Shop is a Harlem landmark and he is a legend. Soon after starting my project, I came across some info about him on the internet. After all these years a new landlord bought his building and decided to triple the rent on him. Unless he paid, then he would be evicted and a Chinese take-out restaurant would occupy this 15′x15′ piece of history. Now, just like many other mom+pop shops, Claudio’s is no more. He was forced to move despite the help and support of politicians, friends, and his neighborhood “family”. Prior to my visit I saw pictures of the shop and it was incredible. In my opinion, the most beautiful old school shop I have ever seen. The walls filled with artifacts and the floor occupied by gorgeous pistachio colored leather and porcelain chairs. However, upon entering I was faced with a completely different shop. Almost all of his belongings were ripped off the wall and placed into boxes. The shop was a rugged shell of it’s 62 year old self. It made me sad for him. Despite the place being dismantled, I could still feel the many years of history. I introduced myself and told Claudio why I was there. He immediately got fired up. Yelling in as thick an Italian accent as I have ever heard. Saying how he was getting kicked out and the lack of “respect” the Chinese landlord had for his history in this Barber Shop. He wasn’t just mad. He was visibly upset about the whole situation. His entire life was being taken from him. After he calmed down a little bit I started asking him some questions about his start as a Barber. While cutting a customers hair, he threw up his hand stating that “I WAS BORN A BARBER”. In fact his father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and just about every other male relative had been a barber. He briefly told me about his 100 year old cash register and the old days when he first came to NY. At that time he was charging 75 cents for a haircut. Now they are still only $10. Again he got upset at the whole situation.After a few minutes of shooting and asking questions he stated “youaskatoomanyquestions”. “I am very confused. You want to take your pictures. Take your pictures and go!” I felt horrible for him. Everything he has ever known has happened in that barber shop. I have no doubt that he was not angry at me. Just at the eviction and the 62 years that are being taken from him. So I respectfully packed my bag and left. Thanking him and apologizing for what was about to happen. I was in Claudio’s Barber Shop for one of his last days! On December 31, 2011 he would be officially kicked out.And although he found a new space 50 yards down the street, it would never be the same. He actually came outside and offered to show me the new shop. Of course I obliged. Again I was sad for him. The new place was downstairs with virtually no sun light and the walls were just plain white sheet rock. Here, it would be impossible to regain the character of his former shop.

If you want to see what Claudio’s shop looked like in it’s day go HERE.

TAGS: Claudio’s Barber Shop, Barber Shop Photography, Barber Shop, Old School Barber Shop, Classic Barber Shop, Barber, Harlem Barber Shop, Claudio Caponigro, Rob Hammer Photography