This collection consists of 39 holograph letters written by Laguna Beach landscape painter William Wendt to Guy and Lucia Edwards of Pasadena. While many of these letters are personal, some relay information about Wendt's art coursework and exhibitions. The collection also includes the exhibit catalog for a Wendt show held at the Los Angeles Museum in Exposition Park in 1939, and an assortment of newspaper and magazine clippings featuring Wendt and his work. Other clippings document the work of Wendt's wife, the sculptor Julia Bracken Wendt.

William Wendt was a renowned Orange County landscape painter. He was born in Bentzen, Prussia, on February 20, 1865. After working in Chicago as a commercial artist, he joined the community of artists living in Laguna Beach. He opened Wendt Studios in 1918, which developed into a flourishing center for local artists. He was in contact with the Edwards until his death on December 29, 1946.

0.2 Linear Feet (1 box)

Property rights reside with the University of California. Literary rights are retained by the creators of the records and their heirs. For permissions to reproduce or to publish, please contact the Head of Special Collections and Archives.

Collection is open for research.