R. M. Schindler papers, 1904-1954, bulk 1916-1953

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Summary

Creators:
Schindler, Mark and Schindler, R. M. (Rudolph M.)
Extent:
175 Linear Feet (58 boxes, 36 flat file drawers, 2 oversize*** drawings)
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

R. M. Schindler papers, Architecture and Design Collection, Art, Design & Architecture Museum; University of California, Santa Barbara.

Background

Scope and content:

The R. M. Schindler papers contain the work of the Viennese-born American architect, Rudolph Michael Schindler (1887-1953), primarily from his time in California.

The papers comprise 175 linear feet (52 boxes, 37 flat file drawers) and include personal papers, correspondance and specifications, product literature and publications, manuscript writings, photographs and architectural drawings. Most of materials are in English, however there is some significant correspondence in German. The collection includes original photographs and negatives taken by Schindler of his buildings, travels, the work of other architects (especially Frank Lloyd Wright) and of his family and friends. His drawings and photographs by Schindler and others document most of his circa 450 architectural and design projects, including work by the Architectural Group for Industry and Commerce, a short-lived collaboration between Schindler, architect Richard Neutra, and the planner Carol Aronovici, active 1926-1927. The bulk of the Schindler collection was acquired in 1967 from Schindler's son.

The archive is arranged in four series: Personal Papers, Professional Papers, Office Records, and Project records.

Biographical / historical:

Rudolph Michael Schindler (1887-1953) was born in Vienna, Austria. Schindler trained in Vienna at the Technische Hochschule, from which he graduated in 1911 and at the Akademie der bildenden Kunsteunder where he studied under Otto Wagner. He also came under the influence of Adolf Loos and his informal salons in Vienna.

Schindler emigrated to the U.S. in 1914. He worked for the Chicago firm of Ottenheimer, Stern and Reichert. Between 1917-1921, he worked with Frank Lloyd Wright, first in Chicago and Taliesin, then in Los Angeles where he moved in 1920 to help supervise the Barnsdall Hollyhock house.

In Los Angeles he set up his own architectural practice, working briefly with the engineer, Claude Chase (1921-1923), and as a partner with Richard Neutra in The Architecture Group for Industry and Commerce (AGIC) (1926-1927). In his lifetime he completed about 150 buildings, most of them in Los Angeles. His uncanny ability to design three-dimensional spaces (he called himself a "space architect") sets him apart from most other modern architects. His house, which he designed and built on Kings Road in Los Angeles in 1921-1922, is considered by some historians to be the "first modern house."

Custodial history:

Gift of Mark Schindler, 1968. Additional materials gifted by Mrs. Wineld Park Blum in 1999 and Kathryn Smith and Randall Kennon, 2007, Tom Christie 2023, The Elgin and Gordon Toole Families.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open for use by qualified researchers.

Preferred citation:

R. M. Schindler papers, Architecture and Design Collection, Art, Design & Architecture Museum; University of California, Santa Barbara.

Location of this collection:
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA 93106-7130, US
Contact:
(805) 893-2724
adc@museum.ucsb.edu
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