A special exhibit in the Fisk Gallery of the San Bernardino County Museum in Redlands, California, shows the midcentury modern designs of Paul Revere Williams and Maria Kipp in an exhibit called Visions of Southern California.
Paul Revere Williams
Paul Revere Williams (1894-1980) graduated from USC’s School of Architecture and Engineering and, in 1921, he became the first African-American certified architect west of the Mississippi.
The Museum display has this to say about African-American architect Paul Revere Williams:
“Midcentury modernism took post-war America by storm. Sleek lines, gentle curves, and geometric patterns appeared in architecture and interior design. Paul Revere Williams, already famous for his classic residential architecture, became a pioneer in the new modernism. He designed homes for first-time owners and celebrities alike. As one of the most popular architects of his time, he paved the way for others in the African-American community.”
Shown above is the 1961 LAX Theme Building.
Shown above is the 1939 Arrowhead Springs Hotel.
Shown above is the preliminary sketch for the Dr. Robert Norman Williams residence. It was completed in 1948.
Shown above is the lanai for his own house. This was completed in 1952.
This is his own house. The fabric designer for the house was Maria Kipp.
The New Crescent Wing of the Beverly Hills Hotel open and renovations were complete in 1949. Williams was the architect and Maria Kipp the fabric designer.
Shown above is the Fountain Coffee Shop of the Beverly Hills Hotel.
Maria Kipp
Maria Kipp (1900-1988) was the first woman accepted into the State Academy for the Textile Industry in Munchber, Bavaria. She moved to Los Angeles in 1924 and founded a textile business. Maria Kipp was the first woman in the United States to establish and manage a successful, modern textile company.
Maria Kipp is shown here with Leonard T. Stevens, her business manager.
Shown above is hand-woven fabric designed by Maria Kipp.
Shown above is hand-woven fabric designed by Maria Kipp.
Shown above is the Polo Lounge of the Beverly Hills Hotel.