Finding Aid to the Dell Davis Blindcraft Photographs (1976-1983) SFP 142
Finding aid composed by Christina Moretta
San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library
2022
Title: Dell Davis Blindcraft Photographs
Date (inclusive): 1976-1983
Identifier/Call Number: SFP 142
Creator:
Davis, Dell William
Physical Description:
2 boxes with 24 silver gelatin print photographs (1 Linear Feet)
Contributing Institution:
San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 557-4567
sfhistory@sfpl.org
Abstract : Collection of 24
mounted black and white silver gelatin photographs taken by Dell Davis between 1976 and 1983
of Blindcraft workers in the Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired in San
Francisco, California. The photographs depict workers crafting brooms in the facility at
1097 Howard Street in the South of Market district. Photos document the process of the work
and craftsmanship as well as the camaraderie between the workers during their break
times.
Physical Location: The collection is stored on
site.
Languages Represented: Collection materials are in English.
The collection is available for use during Photo Desk hours.
All requests for permission to publish from photographs must be submitted in writing to the
Photo Curator. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public
Library as the owner of the physical items.
[Identification of item], Dell Davis Blindcraft Photographs (SFP 142), San Francisco
History Center, San Francisco Public Library.
Gift of photographer. 1999-27.
Dell William Davis was born in 1946. Davis volunteered at the Blindcraft workshop in the
Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired in San Francisco, California in the late
1960s-early 1970s as his alternative service requirement as a conscientious objector. David
married his wife Janet in 1981 and they had two children. Davis began professionally
photographing in the 1970s and worked as a professional photographer, including wedding
photography, in Concord, California. Davis had photo exhibition of his photography in San
Francisco Bay Area galleries in the 1980s to the 1990s. Dell W. Davis died in September 2010
in Concord, California.
Collection of 24 mounted black and white silver gelatin photographs taken by Dell Davis
between 1976 and 1983 of Blindcraft workers in the Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually
Impaired in San Francisco, California. The photographs depict workers crafting brooms in the
facility at 1097 Howard Street in the South of Market district. Photos document the process
of the work and craftsmanship as well as the camaraderie between the workers during their
break times.
Twenty of the mounted prints were exhibited in a gallery as the photo essay "Blindcraft."
The photographs are arranged in sequential order created by photographer. All mounts are
signed by the photographer. Collection includes the artist's statement from the gallery
show.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Blind -- Employment -- California -- San Francisco
Blind -- Services for -- California -- San Francisco
Blind artists -- California -- San Francisco
Photographic prints
Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired (San Francisco,
Calif.)