In the world of early to mid-twentieth-century architecture, the name Paul R. Williams quietly stands out. You’ve seen his work and probably didn’t know it. St. Jude's Children's Hospital. The Beverly Hills Hotel re-design. The homes of Frank Sinatra, Lucile Ball and her hubby Desi Arnaz, Lon Cheney. The list goes on. This orphan hailed from Los Angeles.reached for his dream and achieved it. He kept pushing forward, never knowing if his desire and skill were going to take him where he KNEW he belonged. After years of study, apprenticeship, and the usual, deliberate roadblocks, he accomplished his heart’s desire. Architect Beyond the Norm,, he is a touchstone for architects of all hues, but especially for black ones. His remarkable works dot the U. S., L. A. in particular, as he was the go-to guy for Hollywood stars during the 30s, 40s and 50s when they wanted a unique abode. He was barred from entering the major attractions and buildings he designed, even banned from purchasing the parcels of land the homes he built stood on, due to racism, but he got the last laugh because he is remembered today for the beauty of those structures.
The "R" stands for Revere. Is that patriotic enough for ya, America?
February 18, 1894 - January 23, 1980
No comments:
Post a Comment