Skrapper: More Than a Brand—A Part of History
Founded in 1999 by acclaimed artist William Quigley, Skrapper is a dynamic creative brand that seamlessly merges painting, fashion, music, and philanthropy. Born in New York City, it quickly became a cultural force—known for its collectible art and apparel grounded in experimentation, collaboration, and an unfiltered artistic voice.
Quigley, a prominent figure in the contemporary art scene, is celebrated for both his portraits and raw abstractions. Throughout the 1980s and ’90s, he exhibited with Henry McNeil Fine Art and Manny Silverman Gallery alongside legends like Willem de Kooning, Joan Mitchell, Robert Rauschenberg, Andy Warhol, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. His pioneering spirit led to the launch of experimental pop-ups like AB Gallery—a radical retail/art space in a Los Angeles mini-mall across from The Ivy Restaurant.
Since 2013, its East Coast evolution, AB NY, has been based in a 140-year-old former Schenck Fuel yard on Newtown Lane in East Hampton. Under the direction of Sarah Scribner, the gallery continues Quigley's vision—helping build contemporary collections and showcasing groundbreaking talent.
Beyond the canvas, Quigley’s career spans film, performance, and art direction. Known in the dance world as Mr. Wiggles, he co-wrote two films and collaborated on music videos, films, and concerts with cultural icons including Prince, Madonna, Outkast, and the band Dispatch.
Skrapper also holds a unique place in pop culture lore. On April 29, 1999, while prepping for an art opening in Chelsea—then the epicenter of New York’s contemporary art world—Quigley inadvertently created the now-iconic Grey Goose & Red Bull cocktail. The drink made a memorable comeback in 2005 at a major benefit for Boarding for Breast Cancer (a name Quigley helped coin) held at Milk Studios. Co-hosted with skate legend Tony Alva, Jeff Gaites of Uncle Funky’s, and producer Eric Weinrib, the event drew over 1,500 guests and auctioned off custom Alva skateboards designed by more than 110 artists, models, musicians, and actors.
Since its inception, Skrapper has maintained a strong philanthropic focus while producing 11 fashion shows and leading countless collaborations with artists, musicians, charities, and luxury brands. Notable partnerships include the East Hampton Artists & Writers Softball Game, Soldier Ride, the Children’s Museum of the Arts, Michael Dweck’s acclaimed book Montauk: The End, and high-end eyewear label Barton Perreira.
Today, Skrapper continues to evolve—offering Limited Edition Prints and Apparel featuring Quigley’s original artwork and exclusive creative collaborations.
Skrapper is more than a brand—it’s a movement.
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