Dorothy Alexander Architectural Collection

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

Collection is open to research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials. Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Dorothy Alexander Architecture Collection, Ms2008-089, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
3.1 Cubic Feet 15 boxes
Creator:
Alexander, Dorothy Baxter
Abstract:
Dorothy Alexander was educated at the McGill University Architectural School in Montreal. She worked for several firms including Wurster, Bernardi, and Emmons Architects before starting her own firm in 1961. The collection consists primarily of drawings, sketches, and building specifications for buildings designed by the architect Dorothy Alexander. Projects include remodeling work for the Arriflex Corporation, Lowel-Light Manufacturing, as well as several houses designed and built in California.
Language:
The materials in the collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Dorothy Alexander Architecture Collection, Ms2008-089, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists primarily of Alexander's works as an architect. This includes building plans and specifications for work done for the Arriflex Corporation, Lowel-Light Manufacturing, and the Jack Tilton Gallery, as well as many other projects. The collection also includes blueprints for building designed by Alexander while working for the architectural firms of Wurster, Bernardi, and Emmons Architects and James Baker and Peter Blake Architects. Other materials include a curriculum vitae, correspondence, and an article about Alexander published in the San Francisco Examiner.

Biographical / historical:

Dorothy "Dusty" Baxter Alexander was educated at the McGill University Architectural School in Montreal. She started work for the architect, John Carl Warnecke in February, 1955. She later worked for the firm Wurster, Bernardi, and Emmons before starting her own firm in April of 1961. Her architectural credits include commercial remodelling for the Arriflex Corporation, Lowel-Light Manufacturing, Panavision and the Jack Tilton Gallery. She has also done restoration work on housing, as well as, designed houses and duplexes in the San Francisco area.

Alexander also works as a photographer. In 1981, Alexander became a staff photographer for Skyline, the magazine for the Institute for Architecture and Urban Studies. During the 1980s through the early 1990s, she worked as a photographer for The Writer's Voice, The Academy of American Poets, West Side Spirit, and the Toronto Globe & Mail. Since the late 1980s Alexander worked as a photographer for Oculus, the magazine for the New York Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

Alexander's photographs have been the subjects of numerous exhibitions in New York. They focus on urban landscapes, street portraits, and some abstract work. Her work is in the main collections at the Bibliotheque Nationale de Paris and the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC.

Acquisition information:
The Dorothy Alexander Architecture Collection was donated to the IAWA here in Special Collections in 2008.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement and description of the Dorothy Alexander Collection began in October 2008 and was completed in December 2008. Additional materials were added in June 2012.

Arrangement:

The collection is separated into two series. Series I consists of biographical materials and drawings done by Dorothy Alexander as an independent architect. Series II consists of blueprints drawn by Dorothy Alexander while working for other firms. Drawings and other materials are arranged in chronological order.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard