Pamela Webb 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], Pamela Webb Architectural Collection, Ms2009-099, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va

Summary

Extent:
85.9 Cubic Feet 66 containers
Creator:
Webb, Pamela, 1943-2008
Abstract:
The Pamela Webb Architectural Collection contains the professional files, architectural drawings, artwork, and photographs of an architect working primarily in Portland, Oregon, during the last quarter of the twentieth century.
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], Pamela Webb Architectural Collection, Ms2009-099, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va

Background

Scope and content:

The Pamela Webb Architectural Collection contains the professional files, architectural drawings, artwork, and photographs of an architect working primarily in Portland, Oregon. Materials date largely from the latter quarter of the twentieth century, but extend into the early twenty-first century. Professional files include information about Webb's career (resumes, portfolios, etc), money-making endeavors, correspondence, press coverage, community involvement, proposal bids, and architectural projects.

Architectural renderings within the collection appear in different mediums—in diazo prints, on thin wax paper, and on white copy paper. These renderings document Webb's architectural projects (including her student work).

Significant projects include: Eastbank Esplanade, Forest Heights residential community, Austen Row attached homes, Warm Springs Early Childhood Learning Center, and Marian Abram's Children's Wing in Mittleman Jewish Community Center. The collection's photographs illustrate the construction and finished products of many of Webb's project designs.

Webb's provided artwork depicts a variety of subjects—from human forms to abstract designs to building ideas. In addition to drawings on paper, some of Webb's artwork is etched in metal or Plexiglas. Multiple sketchbooks also appear within the collection.

Includes a brochure featuring a blurb on Webb's background in anthropology and architecture.

Completed for the Oregon School of Design.

Webb was the founding director of Blackfish Gallery—a quasi co-operative association of local Portland artists.

Webb was instrumental in getting this building on the National Register of Historic Places.

Concerns attracting overseas development deals.

Webb collected information concerning the purchase of a parcel of land.

Webb proposed a networking website for groups.

Business venture to go into partnership and buy a rental property.

Includes Title Block Graphics.

Includes information about the dates of clients and also project numbers.

This later becomes the project titled "Auditor's Office."

Project later becomes Marian Abrams Children's Wing.

The drawings for Accent Eyewear and Murryhill Eye Care were intermingled by Webb and often lack distinquishing titles.

Small 8x10 inch copies of a building extension drawing.

Plan contains pertinent information concerning the site of the East Bank project.

Includes a 1991 list of available lots and prices.

Murray Hill Eyecare and Accent Eyewear are often combined in Webb's files. Therefore, Accent Eyewear should be viewed in conjunction with Murray Hill Eye Care.

Northrup was the name on the original folder; but no such name appears within the documents.

See also Charbonneau (French Prairie)

Not designed by Webb, but she helped with some aspects of the remodel.

Project of "The Reconstruction Company"—ran by Pamela Webb and Fred Wood.

See Springridge files.

Plan not created by Webb. Master Plan Created by Hargreaves and Associates—with whom Webb collaborated during the East Bank Master Plan.

May relate to Skloot.

Materials include one dated site plan from 1989.

The drawings for these two eye care centers were intermingled by Webb and often lack distinquishing titles.

May go with either the Gordon Residence in Portland or the Beach House in Surf Pines.

Biographical / historical:

Born in 1943 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Pamela Webb was an artist, architect, businesswoman, curator, and member of the Portland, Oregon community. Webb earned a degree from Harvard University in Anthropology in 1966; but, later studied architecture and graduated from the Oregon School of Design's first class in 1985.

Some of Webb's significant architectural projects in Oregon include: the Warms Springs Early Childhood learning Center, the Eastbank Esplanade, and the Austen Row multifamily housing project—for which Webb won the 1991 Metropolitan Homebuilders' Best Attached Home designation.

Webb also embarked on several architecturally inspired business endeavors, such as SiteStudy.com (a field study course for architects) and "Webb Grid" (a Mylar grid for pinbar overlay system, for which Webb sought a patent).

In addition to her architectural projects, Webb also served as a board member of the American Institute of Architects Oregon Chapter and as the director of the Harvard University Club of Oregon from 1986 to 1989.

Before becoming an architect, Webb co-founded a successful artists' cooperative called the Blackfish Gallery and worked as a high school art teacher from 1972 to 1976. She also acted as a licensed general contractor in Portland from 1977 to 1985. Webb eventually continued her interest in art through designing jewelry and fused-glass windows and plates.

Pamela Webb died in October 2008 at the age of 65.

Acquisition information:
The Pamela Webb Architectural Collection was donated to Special Collections in 2009.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement and description of the Pamela Webb Architectural Collection commenced in May, 2009 and was completed in May, 2010.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged first by material type and subsequently by subject matter. Webb's professional business files remain separated from her pictures, oversized architectural drawings, and artwork. The Professional Papers and Files are divided into the following subseries: Career Overview, Educational/Scholastic Papers, Professional Organizations and Boards, Community Involvement, Press Coverage, Business Ventures/Development Projects, Internal Business Documents, Proposals, and Projects. Within the aforementioned categories, files appear alphabetically with the exeption of the "miscellaneous" or introductory folders that sometimes appear at the beginning of a subseries. Photographs, artwork, and oversized drawings maintain their own series—items within these sections echo the subseries outlined in Webb's Professional/Papers and Files when applicable.

Note: Bracketed dates within the contents list indicate that the dated material was not created by Pamela Webb.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard