Allan Bridge

Allan Bridge (February 28, 1945 – August 27, 1995) was an American artist and entrepreneur, best known as the founder of the Apology Line, a confessional phone service that operated in New York City from 1980 to 1995.

Early Life

Allan Bridge was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in the nearby suburb of Bethesda, Maryland. He attended Walt Whitman High School, where he developed an interest in art and began painting.

Career

After high school, Bridge moved to New York City to pursue a career as an artist. He studied at the School of Visual Arts and later at the Art Students League of New York. In the late 1970s, he began experimenting with conceptual art and performance pieces.

In 1980, Bridge launched the Apology Line, a telephone service that allowed callers to anonymously confess their wrongdoings. The project gained significant media attention and was featured in numerous publications, including The New York Times and The New Yorker. Bridge recorded the calls and used them as material for his art installations.

In addition to his work with the Apology Line, Bridge was also a successful entrepreneur. He co-founded the Bridge Gallery in New York City, which showcased contemporary art and promoted emerging artists.

Death

Bridge died in a scuba diving accident in 1995. The Apology Line ceased operations shortly after his death.

Legacy

Bridge's work with the Apology Line has been the subject of several documentaries and books. His innovative use of technology and exploration of human behavior continue to influence contemporary artists and social scientists.