Join us Sunday, February 19, 2023, at 2 p.m. at the Mark Taper Auditorium in the Central Library.
The first lecture in the 2023 Marie Northrop Lecture Series will be a discussion with Stephen Gee based on the book Paul R. Williams (Tailwater Press / Angel City Press) which he coauthored with Marc Appleton and Bret Parsons.
Paul Revere Williams’s inspirational story has fascinated historians for the simple fact that his journey was so improbable. The orphan son of an African American fruit-and-vegetable merchant, he was repeatedly told he had no chance of ever realizing his childhood dream of becoming an architect. And yet, he ignored the naysayers to reach the pinnacle of his chosen profession, while overcoming widespread discrimination throughout early- to mid-twentieth century America. The odds against him succeeding were enormous.
Often working in neighborhoods where, because of highly discriminatory racial covenants, he himself would not be allowed to live, his designs were at the same time graceful and relaxed. His mastery of harmonious proportions and signature undulating lines, and his innovative use of color helped define a golden age of Southern California architecture. The more than three thousand structures that carry his architectural imprimatur ranged from modest, affordable homes to extravagant mansions for Hollywood’s elite, as well as important civic and commercial projects.
About Stephen Gee
Stephen Gee is a writer and television producer based in Los Angeles. He is the author of Iconic Vision: John Parkinson, Architect of Los Angeles (Angel City Press), Los Angeles City Hall: An American Icon (Angel City Press), and co-author, with Arnold Schwartzman, of Los Angeles Central Library: A History of its Art and Architecture (Angel City Press). He also wrote, directed, and produced the award-winning PBS documentary Iconic Vision: John Parkinson, Architect of Los Angeles. A graduate of London’s City University, he began his career as a newspaper reporter in Norfolk, England. He has lived in Los Angeles since 1995.
Location
This lecture series is co-sponsored by Los Angeles City Historical Society and the History Department of the Richard J. Riordan Central Library. Lectures are held in the Mark Taper Auditorium, on the first floor of the Central Library, 630 W. 5th Street, Los Angeles. For ADA accommodations, call (213) 228-7430 at least 72 hours prior to event.
The library garage is located on the east side of Flower Street, just south of 5th Street. Flower Street is one-way, south. Parking is $1 from 1:00-5:00 with a library card. (Anyone arriving too early or choosing to stay in the garage past 5:00-5:15 would be charged $8.00 for the day.)