Collection Guide
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Woolf (John Elgin) papers
0000197
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Description
The John Elgin Woolf papers span 100 linear feet and date from circa 1929 to circa 1983. The collection contains architectural
drawings and reprographic copies, receipts concerning design purchases, fabric swatches, correspondence with clients, newspaper
and magazine clippings regarding projects, and black-and-white as well as color photographs documenting the exteriors and
interiors of the office's designs.
Background
John Elgin Woolf was born January 4, 1908 in Georgia. He received his bachelor's degree in architecture from the Georgia Institute
of Technology in 1929. After completing school, Woolf moved to Los Angeles, California. In the 1940s Woolf met Robert Koch,
an interior designer. The two became partners and together created homes-- designing buildings, interiors, and remodellings--for
many wealthy and famous Los Angeles residents. Woolf's style has been called Hollywood Regency and his more notable projects
include: the James B. Pendleton Residence; a remodeling of Case Study House 17, originally designed by Rodney Walker; as well
as homes for celebrities such as Cary Grant, Judy Garland, Bob Hope, Katharine Hepburn, among others. John Elgin Woolf died
on September 24, 1980.
Extent
100 Linear Feet
(25 1/2 record storage boxes, 2 card boxes, 2 oversize boxes, 3 rolls, and 20 flat file drawers)
Availability
Open for use by qualified researchers.