Finding aid for the Ansel Adams (1902-1984) collection, 1939, 1902-1984, 1939

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Summary

Creators:
Adams, Ansel, 1902-1984.
Abstract:
Extent:
One box in collection, 0.5 linear feet.
Language:
Preferred citation:

Finding aid for the Ansel Adams (1902-1984) collection, 1939. Los Angeles Public Library

Background

Scope and content:

This small collection consists of 217 photographs taken by Ansel Adams on commission by Fortune Magazine in 1940. It covers Los Angeles' daily life, cityscapes, aerospace employees and some images of Cole Weston (son of Edward Weston) and his wife Dorothy. The collection represents a departure from Adams' typical subject matter and offers a unique look at how the photographer handled an urban milieu for commercial purpose.

Biographical / historical:

Fortune magazine commissioned Ansel Adams around 1939 to take photographs of Los Angeles for an article about the regions aviation history entitled City of Angels. For the assignment Adams made 217 photographs of Los Angeles, its daily and business life, street scenes and aerospace employees. Only a few of the images were printed in the article, which ran in the March, 1941 issue of the magazine. In the early 1960’s, after finding the photographs among his papers at his home in Carmel, Adams contacted the Los Angeles Public Library regarding their interest in receiving the collection as a donation. In his letter, Adams expressed disappointment in the quality of the photographs due to the weather, and the value of the images in general. He suggested that they “represent about $100.00 minimum value” and that if unwanted, they be destroyed. The Los Angeles Public Library accepted the gift of 135 contact prints and 217 2.25 black and white negatives, placing the collection value at $150.00. Born in San Francisco in 1902, Ansel Adams became one of the best-known photographers and dedicated conservationists of the 20th century. In 1939 Adams, along with Edward Weston, founded the f/64 group of photographers. He was the recipient of three Guggenheim fellowships to photograph national parks (1944-1958) and served on the Sierra Club board from 1934 to 1971. Adams died on April 22nd, 1984.

Acquisition information:
Sold to the Library by Ansel Adams, c. 1960.

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is stored on-site at the Central branch of the Los Angeles Public Library. It is closed for research. Photograph collections may be browsed, digitally, via the Los Angeles Public Library website at http://photos.lapl.org/carlweb/jsp/photosearch_pageADV.jsp

Terms of access:

Any reproduction, redistribution, publication, or other use, by any means, without prior written permission is prohibited. Photocopies, copy prints and digital images can be provided. With the proper fees and permissions, many images can be used in commercial and non-profit applications. For personal and commercial uses of the Library's images, the Library will send to the user a Commercial Use Agreement which states access rights to images and copyright restrictions. This agreement must be returned to the library before the order will be processed. It will also state proper credit to be used for the product whenever photographs are used in commercial or non-profit situations. Further information regarding Use and Reproduction may be found on the Library's website: http://www.lapl.org/catalog/photo_order_info.html

Preferred citation:

Finding aid for the Ansel Adams (1902-1984) collection, 1939. Los Angeles Public Library

Location of this collection:
Central Library
630 W. 5th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071, US
Contact:
(213) 228-7355
specialcollections@lapl.org
Website