Natalie de Blois 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:

The collection is open for 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], Natalie de Blois Architectural Collection, Ms2007-017, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
2.7 Cubic Feet 2 boxes and 7 oversize folders
Creator:
De Blois, Natalie, 1921-2013
Abstract:
The Natalie de Blois Architectural Collection includes correspondence; original notes; magazine/journal clippings; finished project photographs, published materials; sketches; water colors; and project records related to a sampling of de Blois' architectural projects.
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], Natalie de Blois Architectural Collection, Ms2007-017, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The Natalie de Blois Architectural Collection spans the years 1941 to 2013. Materials in the collection include correspondence; original notes; clippings; brochures; finished project photographs; published materials; sketches; watercolors; elevations; architectural renderings; contracts; specifications; and reports for 24 projects.

Biographical / historical:

Natalie de Blois was born in Paterson, New Jersey on April 2, 1921.

In 1944 de Blois graduated from Columbia University's architecture program and took her first professional job with the firm Ketchum, Gina & Sharp. In September of the same year de Blois was hired by the well known architecture firm, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). Here she spent the majority of her professional career working closely with architect Gordon Bunshaft, earning notoriety within the architectural community as one of the top female architects in America.

Natalie de Blois is recognized for her work on a number of projects including, Lever House (NYC); Pepsi-Cola building (NYC); Union Carbide Corporation (NYC); Connecticut General Life Insurance (Hartford, CT); Lincoln Center (NYC); and the Hilton Hotel (Istanbul, Turkey).

After 30 years with SOM, she left to join the Houston firm of Neuhaus & Taylor as Senior Project Designer. As a working mother during the 1950's and 1960's de Blois was personally aware of the hardships and limitations faced by women in architecture, and in the 1970's she became active advocate for women in architecture joining the American Institute of Architects Task Force on Women, visiting architecture schools and talking to female students.

During the last thirteen years of her architecture career, de Blois taught at the University of Texas at Austin, retiring in 1993. Natalie de Blois practiced architecture for fifty years. de Blois died July 22, 2013.

Sources:

SOM Journal 4. Interview with Natalie de Blois by Detlef Mertins, June 17, 2004.

Natalie de Blois collection, Alexander Architectural Archives, University of Texas Libraries, The University of Texas at Austin.

Acquisition information:
The Natalie de Blois Architectural Collection was donated to Special Collections in November 2007.
Processing information:

A preliminary inventory of the Natalie de Blois Architectural Collection was completed in November 2007. The collection was fully processed and described in January 2012.

Arrangement:

The collection is divided into two series: Series I Professional papers and Series II Project Records. The Project Records arrangement follows the organization of the 'Timeline of Projects' created by Nicholas Adams in consultation with Natalie de Blois in March of 2005.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard