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Gidwitz House – Exterior, undated

 File — Container: Box 7, Folder: 6

Collection Scope

From the Collection:

The Biographical series (1937-1980) is very small and does not contain much material relative to Rapson’s early life, however, materials relative to his education are contained here.

The Teaching series (1941-1954) contains correspondence, coursework materials and publications relevant to Rapson’s experiences in Boston and Chicago. They are arranged alphabetically, then chronologically.

Competitions (1935-1954) is a series which primarily contains materials about the various competitions that Rapson entered from 1935-1954. The bulk of this series is secondary source materials – pre-competition announcements and post-competition publications. The series is arranged chronologically.

The Projects (1938-1955) series includes residences, institutional projects and embassies. It is also alphabetically and covers 1938-1954. Of note is the correspondence with various clients, especially for projects that were not built and are heretofore unknown.

The Research (1935-1954) series has been artificially arranged alphabetically by subject. While most of these secondary source materials can be found in original publications in research/university libraries (including Cranbrook Academy of Art Library), they remain part of this collection as they reflect Rapson’s interests and thought processes regarding architecture, materials use, and design. The researcher will find distinct connections by utilizing this series in conjunction with project files, photographs, and architectural drawings.

Photographs (undated) includes reproduction photographs of architectural drawings – most of which are in the collection; some of which were retained by family members.

The bulk of the Negatives (undated) series are copy negatives which were made by Rapson and others, in large part to illustrate the publication Ralph Rapson: Sixty Years of Modern Design.

The Oversize (undated) series contains a copy of arts and architecture from August 1945, comprising the pages relating to the Case Study House #4 project, and oversize prints of drawings.

The Architectural Drawing series (1939-1954) contains drawings related to embassies, competitions, and residential projects.

Dates

  • undated

Access

Access to the collection is, for the most part, unrestricted. However, there are restrictions for access of the U.S. Embassy materials. This includes specifications, interior photographs, and architectural drawings, particularly floor plans and mechanical/electrical drawings. Permission must be obtained from the U.S. Government to allow access to these materials.

Extent

From the Collection: 20.3 Linear Feet (8 MS, 1 OS, 84 OS folders)

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Creator

Repository Details

Part of the Cranbrook Archives, Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research Repository

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