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ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTIONS

Major photographic collections held by the Regional History Collections include the following. Other units with the USC Libraries also contain photographs, notably the Cinema-TV Library and the University Archives. 

The Hearst Collection

Unknown special collections librarian, The Hearst Collection, ca. 1945.

The Hearst Collection contains the photo archives of the Los Angeles Examiner newspaper and consists of 1.2 million photographs (1920-61) as well as negatives (1950-61). Almost any individual who received news coverage in Los Angeles during this period is represented in the files. Subjects covered are extensive also, ranging from circuses to gangs. A clippings collection from the Examiner augments the collection. The library also owns selected bound volumes of the original newspapers, including the Evening Express (1872-1899). After the closure of the Herald Examiner offices in 1989, the Hearst Corporation placed the 2.2-million-item photo archives of the Herald Express and Herald Examiner with the Los Angeles Public Library.

The Whittington Collection

Historic pass caught by USC's Al Krueger upsets Duke in 1939 Rose Bowl, Whittington Collection.

The "Dick" Whittington Studio was the largest and finest photography studio in the Los Angeles area from 1924 to 1987. Specializing in commercial photography, the Whittington Studio took photographs for nearly every major business and organization in Los Angeles; in so doing, they documented the growth and commercial development of Los Angeles. Clients included Max Factor, the Broadway, Bullock's, and May Co. department stores, the California Fruit Growers Association, Signal Oil, Shell Oil, Union Oil, Van de Kamp's bakeries, Forest Lawn, Sparkletts Water, CBS, Don Lee Television, Goodyear Tire and Rubber, real estate developers, construction companies, automobile, aircraft, and railroad companies, and drive-in theaters. Another notable client was the University of Southern California, which contracted with the Whittington Studios for coverage of athletic and other events. The collection consists primarily of negatives.

California Historical Society Collection

The California Historical Society (CHS) Collection of photographs was placed on long-term deposit in the Regional History Collection in 1990. The collection has two major parts, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Collection and the TICOR Collection. Together these collections are incomparable for the documentary picture they provide of the development of the Los Angeles region between 1860 and 1960. In all, there are some 23,000 images in the two collections.

The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Collection (1890-1960)

The photographs in this collection document the Chamber's promotional efforts during the city's early years. In addition to stock photographs, there are pictures of the elaborate booths and displays that the Chamber prepared for use at state fairs and international trade shows. In addition to general promotional images, the photographic collection contains images showing the growth of important municipal enterprises, such as ground transportation systems. Also noteworthy are images relating to aviation and shipping. The collection also includes the Chamber's general files, including minutes of meetings, matters concerning the board of directors, brochures, and the Chamber's periodical publications.

The TICOR Title Insurance Collection (1860-1960)

Itinerant laborer, Ticor/CHS Collection, ca. 1900.

The Devil's Playground, east of Palm Springs, Ticor/CHS, n.d.

This collection contains the work of several photographers as well as the collections which, in some cases, they themselves formed. Some of the prominent local photographers associated with this collection are C.C. Pierce, George Wharton James, and Charles Puck. Subjects include Los Angeles and environs, California Missions, Southwestern Indians, and turn-of-the-century Nevada, Arizona, and California. The major strength lies in 1890-1930 vintage Southland views.

The C.C. Pierce Collection is distinctive for its thorough coverage of city and street views and for the many images of Los Angeles architecture. C.C. Pierce, active from 1886 to 1940, was one of the leading photographers of his day. He was also a collector of photographs of Los Angeles and actively bought older photographs of the city. The George Wharton James Southwestern Native American Portraits collection was one of C.C. Pierce's purchases, acquired by him in 1902. It contains 2,000-3,000 negatives of Indians of the Southwest, along with images documenting the southwestern frontier in general.

Other Collections

Many collections held by Rare Books & Manuscripts contain photographs of particular subjects, such as bands and musicians in Los Angeles, crime and law enforcement in Los Angeles, and so on. Please inquire of a staff member for further guidance about photographic resources.