Albert A. Dorskind Collection of Universal City Photographs, approximately 1910s - 1994, bulk 1950s-1970s

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Summary

Creators:
Dorskind, Albert A.
Abstract:
This collection chiefly contains studio-produced press photographs of the development of the Universal Pictures movie studio, MCA-Universal Studios, the Universal Studios Tour, and Universal City in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, California, 1910s - 1990s.
Extent:
6 boxes and 1 oversize folder
Language:
English.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection chiefly contains studio-produced press photographs covering the development of Universal Pictures, MCA Inc. and Universal Studios, the Universal Studios Tour, and photographs and materials showing the development of Universal City, California in the late 1950s-1970s. These materials were acquired and collected by Albert A. Dorskind (1922-2004) during his tenure as an executive at MCA Inc. While many of the photographs depict locations and events of the 1910s-1960s, they are all 8x10-inch reproduction photographs most likely made in the 1970s-1990s. The images include views of early filmmaking, street sets and backlots, studio facilities and buildings, personnel, and photographs of architectural drawings.

The collection includes a portfolio of photographs of concept designs and models by William L. Pereira Associates for the MCA Sheraton Hotel No. 2 (later known as the Sheraton Premiere Hotel) in Universal City. When it was built in 1984, the hotel was considered among the most luxurious in Los Angeles, according to an article in the Los Angeles Times, July 11, 1986. There is also a bound book of photographs of Universal Studios backlot locations, and five VHS-format audiovisual cassette tapes of Universal Studios history and 80th Anniversary celebrations (1985; 1994).

Biographical / historical:

Albert A. Dorskind (1922-2004) was a former executive at MCA Inc. who created the modern Universal Studios Tour and guided the construction and growth of Universal City in Los Angeles, California.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Albert A. Dorskind 1982, 1991, 1994.
Arrangement:

The collection is arranged in the following order:

  • Box 1: Photographs
  • Box 2: Universal City Studios location site book (Volume 1); loose photographs (duplicates)
  • Box 3: Ephemera; Photographs; Reports (Volumes 4-5)
  • Box 4: Loose photographs (chiefly duplicates)
  • Box 5: William L. Pereira Associates, MCA Sheraton Hotel No. 2, Universal City, California [presentation portfolio]
  • Box 6: VHS cassette tapes
  • Oversize folder

Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader Services.

Location of this collection:
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108, US
Contact:
(626) 405-2129
reference@huntington.org
Website