Description
This collection contains photographs, papers and published
articles related to Los Angeles architect Wallace Neff (1895-1982) and his work
designing residential and public buildings, primarily in Southern California,
approximately 1913-1960s. The bulk of the collection consists of photographs of
buildings, with some photographs of Neff's sketches, photographs of architectural
drawings, portraits of Neff, and correspondence, patent drawings and other papers
pertaining to airform construction.
Background
Los Angeles architect Wallace Neff (1895-1982) designed many residential and public
buildings of note in Southern California from 1919 to 1975. Although best known for
magnificent homes for famous clients such as King Vidor, Edward L. Doheny, Darryl
Zanuck, Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford, and Amelita Galli-Curci, he also
created and patented a mass-produced and inexpensive dwelling called the Bubble
House. Neff was born in La Mirada, California, on January 28, 1895, though he spent
much of his childhood in the residence of his grandfather Andrew McNally in
Altadena, California. Neff married Louise Updegraff in 1924, and they had three
children: Phyllis (born 1925), Wallace (born 1930), and Arthur (born 1932).
Restrictions
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to
quote from or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such
activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is
one, and obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
Availability
Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services
Department. For more information, contact Reader Services.