Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Collection
Title
Adams family papers
Date(s)
- 1928-1999 (Creation)
Extent
1.5 linear feet (5 boxes)
Name of creator
Biographical history
Edward A. "Tink" Adams was born on August 3, 1898 in Tucson, Arizona. He attended the University of Arizona and School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He worked in advertising in Chicago and New York. In 1930, Adams founded the Art Center School with a group of fellow professionals and was the school's first President until ill health forced his retirement from active management of the college in 1964, and complete retirement in 1969. He continued to serve as chairman of the Board of Trustees until he died in Los Angeles on December 1, 1981.
Name of creator
Biographical history
Virginia Legakes Adams (ADVT 1934) was born on April 17, 1912 in Pasadena, California. She attended Pasadena Junior College before entering the Art Center School. She taught at Art Center from - until her retirement in -. She married Edward A. "Tink" Adams on December 24, 1951 in a ceremony at their home in Silver Lake. She died in April 7, 1999.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
The Adams family papers consist mainly of photographs of Art Center School in the early 1950s, especially of students and faculty in classroom settings. Also included are some personal photos of Tink and Virginia's 1951 wedding, their Silverlake home, and Tink with his bonsai. Most of the faculty in the Art Center photos have been identified by Virginia Adams. Of interest are the photographs of Japanese exchange students through the JETRO program, including Kenji Ekuan. Three oversized photographs are housed separately.
Adams's correspondence concerns design work he was hired to do, mainly for Sloan's Liniment package and counter display. Virginia's correspondence consists of materials sent to her as a member of Art Center's Board of Trustees. The magazine advertisements are a varied collection torn out of magazines from the early part of the 20th century. The reminiscences about Tink's house, written by his daughter, discuss the purchase and renovation of his Silverlake home.
The plaque (box 5) was presented to Adams by Japanese designers and reads: "In appreciation of Edward A. Adams' continuous interest to educate and help Japanese designers, some of whom have enrolled in the Art Center School to become leaders in the development of design in Japan. 1965" Below the inscription is a list of names that includes some Art Center alumni.
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Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
Copyright held by Art Center College of Design (Pasadena, Calif.).
Digital materials and catalog records are made available for educational and research purposes only and cannot be reproduced, distributed, or published without written permission from Art Center College of Design.
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Specialized notes
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Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
- Ekuan, Kenji (Subject)
- Hoyningen-Huene, George (Subject)
- JETRO (Subject)
- Stotsky, Marjorie Adams (Subject)