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Finding Aid for the Thornton Montaigne Abell papers, 1928-1983
0000102
0000102
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Table of contents
Description
This collection spans 95 linear feet and dates from 1928-1983. The Thornton Abell papers is composed primarily of correspondence,
course and research notes, photographs, scrapbooks, sketches, drawings, reprographic copies, clippings, appointment books,
awards, certificates, agreements, and a model of the Plateau Beaubourg Center.
Background
Thorton Abell was born in 1906. He attended the University of Michigan, University of California Berkeley, and finally the
University of Southern California where he graduated in 1931 with his bachelors degree in architecture. Abell worked as a
designer for Clare C. Hosmer from 1925-1926, as a designer for Joseph J. Kucera from 1926-1927, and as a designer and chief
draftsman for Marsh, Smith, and Powell from 1930-1942. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Abell taught architecture and design
at the Chouinard Art Institute and at the University of Southern California’s School of Architecture. During this time Thorton
Abell was also asked to participate in the Case Study House Program. Abell built Case Study House 7 which was completed in
1949. Thorton Abell died in 1984.
Extent
65.0 Linear feet
(13 record storage boxes, 3 flat oversize* and double oversize** boxes, 16 flat file drawers, oversize flat file folders**,
and 1 model)
Restrictions
In copyright, educational use permitted.
Availability
Open for use by qualified researchers.