Description
The J. Walter Collinge Photograph Collection contains over three hundred photographs by Santa Barbara photographer J. Walter
Collinge (1883-1964). Recognized for his photography of architecture, landscapes, and nudes, this collection concentrates
on Collinge's architectural and scenic photography in and around Santa Barbara's many historical places and events, especially
Old Spanish Days Fiesta.
Background
James Walter Collinge (1883-1964) was one of the most unlikely individuals to become an accomplished photographer. From childhood
Collinge was nearly deaf and almost blind. Collinge was born in a small town in Montana and would later say that he was the
first white baby born in the town. His family moved west settling in Ashland, Oregon, where Collinge apprenticed to a photographer.
At the age of 17, Collinge won an Honorable Mention in a photography competition sponsored by Youth's Companion magazine.
Extent
340 Photographic Prints
Restrictions
Property rights reside with the Santa Barbara Historical Museum. For permissions to reproduce or to publish, please contact
the Head Archivist of the Gledhill Library.
Availability
Collection is open for research.