Description
The papers of photographer Charles
Brittin contain photographs, negatives, slides, and transparencies documenting the Los
Angeles art scene and social and political movements that occurred during the 1950s-1970s.
Accompanying the photographs are correspondence, personal writings, printed ephemera,
posters, maquettes, clippings, and publications. The archive also includes works of art by
Brittin and other artists such as Bob Alexander, Wallace Berman, and George
Herms.
Background
American photographer and artist Charles Brittin came to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s
through his association with Los Angeles artists Wallace Berman and George Herms. Born in
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Brittin relocated with his mother to the Fairfax district of Los Angeles
in 1944, following the death of his father. After studying film and photography at UCLA, he
settled in Venice, California, and began capturing images of the rapidly changing landscape.
Employed variously as a tour guide at ABC, a darkroom assistant, and a mail carrier, Brittin
also managed to capture images of the entertainment world, such as Orson Welles'
transformation of a Venice neighborhood into a set for his movie A
Touch of Evil.
Extent
93 Linear Feet
(136 boxes, 9 flatfile folders, 1 roll)
Restrictions
Contact Library Reproductions and Permissions.
Availability
Open for use by qualified researchers.