Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434) 560 Drillfield Drive Newman Library, Virginia Tech Blacksburg, Virginia 24061 Business Number: 540-231-6308 specref@vt.edu URL: http://spec.lib.vt.edu
Repository
Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech
Identification
Ms.2008.089
Title
Dorothy Alexander Architectural Collection 1939-1994
Quantity
3.1 Cubic Feet, 15 boxes
Creator
Alexander, Dorothy Baxter
Language
The materials in the collection are in English.
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.
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.
Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open to research.
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.
Source of Acquisition
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.
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.
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.
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.