Aaron Colish architectural records, 1939-1993 (bulk 1939-1967).

Format:

Other

Author/Creator:

Colish, Aaron, 1910-1997.

Contributor:

Cret, Paul Philippe, 1876-1945.

Bachrach, Fabian, 1917-

Schick, Jules.

Stelman, Jacob.

Price, Eleanor.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Colish, Aaron, 1910-1997.

Colish, Aaron.

Architects--Archives.

Architects.

Architectural design--History--20th century--Sources.

Architectural design.

Architectural drawing--United States.

Architectural drawing.

Architecture--United States--History--20th century--Designs and plans.

Architecture.

Genre:

Photographs.

Physical Description:

56 photoprints, 12 photonegatives.

13 folders.

Other Title:

Aaron Colish collection.

Place of Publication:

1939-1993

Biography/History:

Architect and developer Aaron Colish was born in Philadelphia, son of Sarah Goldberg Colish and Arthur Colish. He was trained in architecture at the University of Pennsylvania under Paul Philippe Cret. After graduation (B.Arch. 1932), Colish was employed in Cret's office. Colish also operated in partnership with Charles G. Etter (Colish & Etter) until he established an independent practice in 1948.

Summary:

This collection comprises photographic materials and memorabilia (chiefly marketing brochures) related to architectural projects of Aaron Colish (1910-1997), as well as drawings not related to projects and a small amount of personal material. The bulk of the collection consists of 56 photographic prints and marketing brochures documenting seven of Colish's projects executed between 1939 and 1967. This includes his most celebrated project, the 2601 Parkway apartment building, which he designed in collaboration with Paul P. Cret. A small number of original drawings, dated 1976 appear to be illustrations for a "history of architecture" modeled on those found in Sir Bannister Fletcher's History of Architecture on the Comparative Method. Photographs by identified photographers include a 1957 portrait photograph of Colish by Fabian Bachrach and project photographs by John Gruenberg, E. Penrose, Eleanor Price, Jules Schick, Skyphotos, Jacob Stelman and Morris Worrell, Jr. This collection was assembled from materials remaining in Colish's home and office after his death by Myles D. Wilson, the executor of Colish's estate. No project-related architectural drawings, project files, office files or models which may have existed at the time of Colish's death were found at the time these materials were donated to the Architectural Archives.

Finding Aid/Index:

Printed finding aid available at the Architectural Archives. For electronic finding aid see Web Link

This collection is indexed (with electronic access to selected images) in Philadelphia Architects and Buildings, a searchable database of architectural research materials. See Web Link.

Cited as:

Aaron Colish Collection, The Architectural Archives, University of Pennsylvania.

Access Restriction:

Collection available for research by appointment only.

Online:

Finding Aid (PDF)

Philadelphia Architects and Buildings