Collection context
Summary
Background
- Scope and content:
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The Los Angeles Examiner Exhibit and Contest Collection is composed of the Examiner’s news photograph submissions to the annual William Randolph Hearst Photographic Competition spanning the years 1942 to 1953 (some years are incomplete and some are missing altogether) and the Kent State University School of Journalism’s Short Course in News Photography National Photography Contest and exhibition that took place March 20-23, 1951. The photographs document local Los Angeles news stories covering a variety of subjects, including human interest, celebrities, children, pets, sports, natural disasters, accidents, crime, domestic disturbances (abuse, custody battles), suicides and murders, and the bereaved. The collection includes 12.25 linear feet (1.25ft. upwards/stacked) of photographs dating from 1942 to 1951. There is a total of 207 photographs (35 mounted on matte boards for exhibition, 146 photos in five over-sized bound folios, and 26 loose items). The date for nine loose items could not be determined.
- Biographical / historical:
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The Los Angeles Examiner was a daily newspaper founded by William Randolph Hearst in 1903. It ran from December 12, 1903 until January 7, 1962 when it merged with the Los Angeles Herald-Express and became the Los Angeles Herald Examiner. In 1934, Hearst began an annual photo contest among staff photographers at all his newspapers. A photographic trophy was awarded to the “best illustrated Hearst newspaper.” Individual prizes were also awarded. In 1956, the annual contest was changed to include writing and photography contests. There were also monthly photographic contests among Hearst’s newspapers. Kent State University School of Journalism’s short course in news photography, in existence from 1938 to 1962, was one of the earliest professional workshops of its kind. The three-to-five day courses included lectures and presentations by leaders in the field of photojournalism. It also sponsored a national photography contest, with cash and other prizes awarded and photographs exhibited during the course (excerpted from: Kent State University Special Collections Finding Aid: https://www.library.kent.edu/special-collections-and-archives/school-journalism-short-course-news-photography-records).
- Acquisition information:
- Gift of the Hearst Corporation, March 6, 1991.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
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This collection is stored on-site at the Central Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library. It is open for research by appointment only.
- Preferred citation:
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Los Angeles Examiner Exhibit and Contest Collection, 1942-1951. Los Angeles Public Library
- Location of this collection:
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Central Library630 W. 5th StreetLos Angeles, CA 90071, US
- Contact:
- (213) 228-7355