Chronicling Forry’s legacy and collection
Though Forrest J Ackerman died in 2008, his legacy, like Count Dracula, will never die. “Forry” as he was called by friends and adoring fans, was recognized worldwide as the leading sci-fi and horror film expert of the 20th Century as well as an author, actor, literary agent, and collector of rare sci-fi and horror books, posters, artwork and movie props.
He was also known for being at the forefront of the science fiction movement in Los Angeles beginning in the 1930’s and gained lasting celebrity by bringing together fans of fantasy, sci-fi and horror when he edited the legendary monster magazine “Famous Monsters of Filmland” from 1958 to 1983.
For decades, Forry led weekly free tours of his incredible collection in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles. His “Ackermansion” was filled with horror, science fiction and fantasy memorabilia and one of the largest science fiction libraries in the world.
“House of Ackerman” takes you on the Ackermansion tour, which includes a fantastic array of items including behind the scenes photos, the King Kong dinosaurs, Lon Chaney Sr.’s makeup kits, props from stop-motion model guru Ray Harryhausen, plus much more.
The photographs in the book span a 40-year period from 1965 to 2005, featuring three different views of the “Ackermuseum.” The first chapter features rare photos of the original Ackermansion from the personal collection of lifelong Forry pal Bill Warren. The second chapter (and centerpiece of the book) is an open house tour of the huge 18-room Ackermansion, located in the hills below Griffith Observatory. The third chapter takes you on a tour of Forry’s memorabilia-filled Hollywood home where he lived the last years of his life.
“House of Ackerman” is available now at Amazon.
Source: Shock Till You Drop
