Guide to the J. Paul Getty Ranch House Records, 1921, 1945-1960s, 1975-1976, 1980s, 1999-2007, and undated

Series I. Historic American Buildings Survey documentation, 1999, 2001, undated

Physical Description: 0.4 linear feet (1 box)

Scope and Content Note

Records consist of a report and black and white photographs and negatives, 1999, 2001, and undated, of the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) conducted for the J. Paul Getty Ranch House by PCR Services Corporation, Santa Monica, California. The report provides a HABS number, and physical description, significance, historical information, architectural information, site description, a bibliography, project information, maps and plans, and an index to the photographs of the Ranch House. Also included are photocopies of half of the photographs.

Arrangement

These records are arranged in the order found within the original accession.

Box 2003.IA.10-1, Folder 1

Historic American Buildings Survey Documentation report, September 2001

Box 2003.IA.10-1, Folder 4-6

[40 black and white photographs with captions], September 2001

Physical Description: [3 files]

Box 2003.IA.10-1, Folder 7-8

[40 original negatives], September 2001

Physical Description: [2 files]

Box 2003.IA.10-1, Folder 2

Index to photographs, September 2001

Box 2003.IA.10-1, Folder 3

Photocopies of images, September 2001

Box 2003.IA.10-1, Folder 9

[Negatives and contact sheets], November 1999

Physical Description: [3 sheets of negatives; 2 copies of each contact sheet.]

Box 2003.IA.10-1, Folder 10

[21 color photographs], undated

Box 2003.IA.10-1, Folder 11

[28 black and white negatives], September 2001

Note

[Not used in the report.]

Box 2003.IA.10-1, Folder 12-14

[28 black and white photographs], September 2001

Note

[3 sets; one with captions on white paper, one with captions on brown paper, one with no captions. Not used in the report.]

Series II. Renovation and administration records, 1954-1982

Physical Description: 5.4 linear feet (3 boxes, 1 flat file)

Scope and Content Note

Records consist of correspondence, memoranda, reports, contracts, permits, invoices, brochures, and clippings, 1954-1982, pertaining to J. Paul Getty's Ranch House in Malibu, California. The records describe additions and alterations to the Ranch House, and administrative matters pertaining to its maintenance and upkeep.

The records contain information about work undertaken to expand gallery space by the Los Angeles architectural firm of Claud Beelman & Associates, and P.J. Walker Company Builders, in the 1950s; the financial administration of the project was handled by Norris Bramlett. The records describe preparations for a proposed visit by Getty to the Ranch in the 1960s through copies of correspondence between Getty, Norris Bramlett, and Eileen Vogler, interior designer. In March 1973, the Trustees passed a resolution requesting that Getty authorize construction of an access road to the Museum, along Los Liones Road. The records contain detailed information about the costs and planning of this project. In the late 1970s the Trustees explored the possibility of expanding the Ranch House for more gallery space. Gruen Associates was retained to advise the Trustees; their report, related correspondence, and a geological investigation conducted by LeRoy Crandall & Associates is included in the records. The records also contain two inventories of the collections conducted in the late 1970s (the purpose of these inventories is unknown); and letters from Stephen Garrett, Museum Director, to the Ranch House staff discussing their transfer to museum staff.

Arrangement

These records are arranged by subject/project.

Box 1986.IA.50-1, Folder 3

Clippings re: museum, letters re: Collector's Choice, 1954-1956

Claud Beelman and Associates addition:

Box 1986.IA.50-1, Folder 1

Miscellaneous permits and licenses, 1954, 1957, 1964

Box 1986.IA.50-1, Folder 2

Correspondence, invoices, notes re: interior furnishings, smoke detections, 1954, 1957-1958

Box 1986.IA.50-1, Folder 4-5

Contract with Walker Co., 1957-1958

Physical Description: [2 files]

Box 1986.IA.50-1, Folder 6

Building addition, museum wing, 1957

Box 1986.IA.50-1, Folder 7-8

Specifications for alterations and additions, April 16, 1957

Physical Description: [2 files]

J. Paul Getty's possible return:

Box 1986.IA.50-1, Folder 9

Correspondence re: Ranch House repairs and furnishings, 1966-1969

Box 1986.IA.50-1, Folder 10

Brochures, price lists for furnishings, circa 1969

Box 1986.IA.50-1, Folder 11-13

Invoices/expenses for J. Paul Getty's possible return to Ranch House, 1969-1970

Physical Description: [3 files]

Box 1986.IA.50-1, Folder 14

To do lists, letters, tallies re: purchases for J. Paul Getty's possible return, 1969-1970

Box 1986.IA.50-1, Folder 15

Lists of items received, 1970

Box 1986.IA.50-1, Folder 16

Purchases and prices, 1970

Box 1986.IA.50-1, Folder 17

Miscellaneous notes, letters re: furnishings, 1970

Los Liones Road (north access):

Box 1986.IA.50-1, Folder 18

Invoices, 1973-1974

Box 1986.IA.50-1, Folder 19

Grading permit surety bond, 1973

Box 1986.IA.50-1, Folder 20

Letters re: geologic inspection, 1973

Box 1986.IA.50-1, Folder 21

Insurance, 1973

Box 1986.IA.50-2, Folder 1

Costs, 1973-1974

Box 1986.IA.50-2, Folder 2

Stabilization, 1973

Box 1986.IA.50-2, Folder 3

Trustee request re: road, 1973

Box 1986.IA.50-2, Folder 4

Correspondence, permits, reports, 1972-1973

Box 1986.IA.50-2, Folder 5

Correspondence, permits, reports, 1969-1972

Note

[Vicinity map, easement map, and Golden Land Investment Corp. map rehoused into Flat file 4.]

Feasibility study:

Box 1986.IA.50-2, Folder 6

Feasibility study, ranch (Gruen), correspondence, 1978-1979

Box 1986.IA.50-2, Folder 7

Gruen Associates proposal letter, 1978

Box 1986.IA.50-2, Folder 8

Gruen feasibility study, 1979

Box 1986.IA.50-2, Folder 9

Preliminary geologic investigation report, 1979

Note

[Aerial photograph, topographic maps, and geologic maps rehoused into Box 3.]

Box 1986.IA.50-2, Folder 10

Feasibility study, Ranch—clipping re: Santa Monica Mountains, June 1979

Box 1986.IA.50-2, Folder 11

Victor Gruen death announcement, 1980

Administration:

Box 1986.IA.50-2, Folder 12

Inventory re: ranch, September 15, 1976

Box 1986.IA.50-2, Folder 13

Inventory of art object, furniture, furnishings, May 14, 1979

Box 1986.IA.50-2, Folder 14

Letters, memos re: Ranch House staff, 1979, undated

Box 1986.IA.50-2, Folder 15

Ranch House furniture gifts—letters, memos, 1982

Series III. Architectural drawings, 1921, 1945-1951, 1975-1976, undated

Physical Description: 63.8 linear feet (15 flat files)

Scope and Content Note

Records consist of blueprints, blueline prints, and architectural drawings, 1921, 1945-1951, 1975-1976 and undated, from various J. Paul Getty Ranch House renovation and alteration projects. A large portion of this material relates to the renovation of the property by the architect John Byers of Santa Monica, begun in 1946, for both residential and art gallery spaces in the house, and a 1950 art gallery renovation. In some cases the purpose, or jobs, for which drawings were created is unknown.

Arrangement

These records are generally arranged by job and chronologically, and when undated, in the order found within the original accession.

Flatfile 2004.IA.13-2

"Topographic map of 27.325 acres in Canada Sentimento, Rancho Boca de Santa Monica for Claude Parker. Surveyed November 1921. Wilkie Woodward Engineer," November 1921

Physical Description: [2 copies.]

John Byers' renovations:

Flatfile 2004.IA.13-1

"Art Gallery. Donald R. Warren Engineer, floor plans and sections," September 7, 1945

Flatfile 2004.IA.13-1

"Art Gallery. Donald R. Warren Engineer, sections," September 7, 1945

Flatfile 2004.IA.13-1

"Art Gallery. Donald R. Warren Engineer, hip beam framing," September 7, 1945

Flatfile 2004.IA.13-1

"Art Gallery for J. Paul Getty. Roosevelt Blvd. John Byers, Architect. 1st floor plan," October 10, 1945

Flatfile 2004.IA.13-1

"Art Gallery for J. Paul Getty. Roosevelt Blvd. John Byers, Architect. 2nd floor plan," October 10, 1945

Flatfile 2004.IA.13-1

"Art Gallery for J. Paul Getty. Roosevelt Blvd. John Byers, Architect. front elevation," October 10, 1945

Flatfile 2004.IA.13-1

"Art Gallery for J. Paul Getty. Roosevelt Blvd. John Byers, Architect. rear elevation," October 10, 1945

Flatfile 2004.IA.13-1

"Art Gallery for J. Paul Getty. Roosevelt Blvd. John Byers, Architect. interior sections," October 10, 1945

Flatfile 2004.IA.13-1

"Art Gallery for J. Paul Getty. Roosevelt Blvd. John Byers, Architect," October 10, 1945

Physical Description: [Sections looking to front, rear and sides.]

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-5

"Getty 1st Floor, John Byers, architect," April 10, 1946

Physical Description: [Photocopies of Ranch House Blueprints.]

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-5

"Getty 2nd Floor, John Byers, architect," April 10, 1946

Physical Description: [Photocopies of Ranch House Blueprints.]

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-1

"Getty Job – interior elevations. John Byers, Architect," May 22, 1946

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-4

“Cem. Frame at Bronze Door – Getty Job. John Byers, Architect,” undated

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-4

[Unspecified blueprint], undated

Physical Description: ["46" on verso. Wall elevation.]

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-4

“Mrs. Getty’s Bedroom. John Byers Architect”, undated

Physical Description: ["48" on verso.]

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-4

“Section at Stairs. John Byers, Architect,” May 22, 1946

Physical Description: ["42" on verso.]

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-4

“Footing and Slab Detail – Getty Job. John Byers, Architect,” undated

Physical Description: ["44 on verso.]

Flatfile 2004.IA.13-2

"Getty job theatre proscenium," July 13, 1946

Flatfile 2004.IA.13-2

"Getty job roof plan, John Byers, Architect," July 18, 1946

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-3

“Bay plan – Mrs. Getty BR [bedroom]. John Byers, Architect,” July 23, 1946

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-3

“Getty Job, Schedule Exterior Opening,” August 1, 1946

Note

[Possibly John Byers.]

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-3

“Getty Job – Marble Stairs and Iron Handrails. John Byers, Architect,” August 14, 1946

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-3

[Drawing on vellum], undated

Note

[Possibly John Byers. Depicts a small cabinet.]

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-3

"[Untitled], John Byers," 1946

Note

[Ranch House ground floor plan.]

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-3

[Unlabeled], 1946

Physical Description: [With pencil notations, similar handwriting to John Byers drawings. Possibly a wall elevation.]

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-3

[Unlabeled], undated

Physical Description: [With pencil notations (small), similar handwriting to John Byers drawings. Unidentified room floor plan.]

Flatfile 2004.IA.13-1

"Residence for Mr. and Mrs. J. Paul Getty and family, Second floor plan, John Byers, Architect," August 6, 1946

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-1

"Getty Job – window elevations. John Byers, Architect," August 29, 1946

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-2

“Getty Job. John Byers, architect,” August 29, 1946

Note

[Window specifications.]

Flatfile 2004.IA.13-2

"Getty job. Cellar plan, John Byers, Architect," October 11, 1946

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-1

“Residence Shutters. Getty Job. John Byers, architect,” December 2, 1946

Flatfile 2004.IA.13-2

"Getty 1st floor. John Byers, Architect," 1946

Flatfile 2004.IA.13-2

"Getty 2nd floor. John Byers, Architect," 1946

Flatfile 2004.IA.13-2

"Alternate plan, Second fl. Bath, Getty job," undated

Flatfile 2004.IA.13-2

"Mr. Paul Getty, California, Plan of the Art Gallery. 2nd floor for building, cornice and alterations," undated

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-1

“Kalamein Bronze Doors – Getty”, circa 1946

Note

[Probably John Byers.]

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-1

“Door and Window details, Owner’s Bedroom, Getty Job. John Byers, architect,” circa 1946

Physical Description: [2 blueprints.]

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-2

“Bear Pit and Wolf Run – sheet 1 of 1. John Byers, architect. Parker, Zehnder and Associates, construction engineers,” September 3, 1946

Physical Description: [2 copies.]

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-2

“Bear Pit and Wolf Run – Plot Plan – sheet 2 of 2. Parker, Zehnder and Associates,” September 18, 1946

Physical Description: [2 copies.]

Flatfile 1986.IA.20-8C

“Getty At Bronze Door,” undated

Flatfile 1986.IA.20-8C

“Tablet at Art Gallery – Getty Job – Roosevelt Highway” John Byers, architect, March 26, 1947

Flatfile 1986.IA.20-8C

[Untitled], undated

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-5

“Getty Terrace. John E. Mackel, Structural Engineer,” May 1947

Starling Watson renovations:

Flatfile 2004.IA.13-2

"Plan, Elevation and Sections Retaining Walls. Living Room Terrace for Mr. Paul Getty Residence, Starling Watson," June 3, 1947

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-5

“Dressing Room – Mrs. Getty's – 17900 Roosevelt Highway. The office of Starling Watson,” October 16, 1947

Physical Description: [2 prints. Profiles of molds; elevation plan and details.]

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-5

“Getty Estate Court and Walls. Macco Corporation, Parker Zehnder and Assoc. Engineers,” March 31, 1948

Lighting plans:

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-5

“J. Paul Getty – Detail of Proposed Cove Lighting. Wendel Western, Inc.,” April 29, 1948

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-5

“J. Paul Getty – Detail of Proposed Cove Lighting. Wendel Western, Inc.,” April 29, 1948

Physical Description: [With pencil annotations.]

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-5

“Details for fountain illumination. Wendell Western, Inc.,” May 1948

Art gallery renovation:

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-7

“Art Gallery Mr. Paul Getty – Room Louis XVI – 2nd Floor,” 1950

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-7

“Monsieur Getty Art Gallery," circa 1950

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-8

“Art Gallery Mr. Paul Getty 1st Floor,” October 20, 1950

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-8

“Art Gallery Mr. Paul Getty, First Floor – Return of String Board on Landing,” November 11, 1950

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-9

“Art Gallery Mr. Paul Getty. Los Angeles, Calif. Face Pan Coupe,” November 20, 1950

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-9

“Art Gallery Mr. Paul Getty. Los Angeles, Calif. Detail B Retour Du Limon Sur Le Palier. / Detail A. Coupe Sur Le Limon,” November 20, 1950

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-7

“Art Gallery J. Paul Getty, Los Angeles California, Face Grande Tapisserie,” November 21, 1950

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-7

“Art Gallery J. Paul Getty, Los Angeles California, Plan,” November 21, 1950

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-7

“Art Gallery Monsieur Getty. Tapestry View,” 1950

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-7

“Art Gallery Monsieur Getty. Piece Louis XVI no. 2 2nd floor,” 1950

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-9

“Monsieur Getty Art Gallery. 1st Floor,” circa 1950

Physical Description: [4 torn pieces.]

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-6

“Mr. Paul Getty, Santa Monica, First Floor Room, Elevation Facing Stairs. Jensen Inc.,” December 12, 1950

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-6

“Mr. Paul Getty, Santa Monica, First Floor Room, Entrance Elevation. Jensen Inc.,” December 12, 1950

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-6

“Mr. Paul Getty, Santa Monica, First Floor Room, Elevation Facing Entrance. Jensen Inc.,” December 12, 1950

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-9

“Art Gallery Mr. Paul Getty—Elevation C,” December 13, 1950

Physical Description: ["43" on verso.]

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-9

“Art Gallery Monsieur Paul Getty. Los Angeles, Calif. Room - Louis XVI - 2nd Floor,” December 27, 1950

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-8

“Monsieur Paul Getty, Louis XVI Room, First Floor,” December 27, 1950

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-8

“Monsieur Paul Getty 2nd Floor. Depart Escalier,” December 27, 1950

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-6

“Mr. Paul Getty, Santa Monica Art Gallery, 1st floor. Plans Showing the Modification of the Stripe around the flooring. Jensen Inc., New York,” February 28, 1951

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-9

“Art Gallery Mr. Paul Getty. Los Angeles, Calif. Room. Louis XVI. 2nd Floor,” March 1, 1951

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-6

“Mr. Paul Getty – Details of tapestries, stretchers. Jensen Inc.,” March 2, 1951

Flatfile 2004.IA.13-2

"Mr. Paul Getty, Santa Monica. 1st floor plan. Plan for Wendel Lighting," April 20, 1951

Flatfile 2004.IA.13-2

"Mr. Paul Getty, Santa Monica. 2nd floor room. Plan for Wendel Lighting," April 23, 1951

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-6

“Mr. Paul Getty, 3rd Floor Room, Jensen, Inc.,” April 24, 1951

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-6

“Mr. Paul Getty, 2nd Floor Room, Jensen, Inc.,” April 25, 1951

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-6

“Mr. J. Paul Getty, 1st floor Room. Jensen Inc.,” April 25, 1951

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-9

“Art Gallery Mr. Paul Getty. Los Angeles, Calif. Room. Louis XVI. 2nd Floor,” 1951

Physical Description: [Dated in pencil.]

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-10

“J. Paul Getty Residence, Malibu California: Ground Floor Plan,” March 5, 1975

Physical Description: [9 copies.]

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-10

“J. Paul Getty Residence, Malibu California: Second Floor Plan,” March 5, 1975

Physical Description: [11 copies.]

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-10

“J. Paul Getty Residence, Malibu California: Ground Floor Plan,” June 25, 1975

Physical Description: [4 copies.]

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-10

“J. Paul Getty Residence, Malibu California: Second Floor Plan,” June 25, 1975

Physical Description: [4 copies.]

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-11

“Floor Plan of Guest House,” April 25, 1975

Physical Description: [2 copies.]

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-11

“Floor Plans of Employees’ Cottages,” April 25, 1975

Physical Description: [3 copies.]

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-11

“Suggested additions for servants’ quarters – ground floor plan,” August 15, 1975

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-11

“Suggested additions for servants’ quarters – second floor plan,” August 15, 1975

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-11

“J. Paul Getty Residence, Malibu California: First Floor Plan.” March 5, 1975, revised, January 22, 1976

Flatfile 1986.IA.19-11

“J. Paul Getty Residence, Malibu California: Second Floor Plan.” March 5, 1975, revised, January 22, 1976

Flatfile 1986.IA.19: 12

[Column design, cross sections], undated

Note

["34" on verso.]

Flatfile 1986.IA.19: 12

[Column design, cross sections], undated

Note

["34" on verso.]

Flatfile 1986.IA.19: 12

“Paul Getty Ranch, Santa Monica,” undated

Physical Description: [Pencil Drawing, with chalk.]

Flatfile 1986.IA.19: 12

[Sketch for wall design], undated

Physical Description: ["47" on verso. In pencil.]

Flatfile 2004.IA.13-2

[Annotated 1st floor plan], undated

Flatfile 2004.IA.13-2

[Annotated second floor plan], undated

Flatfile 2004.IA.13-2

"J. Paul Getty Residence Ground floor plan," March 5, 1975

Physical Description: [Photocopy.]

Flatfile 2004.IA.13-2

[Rear (?) elevation], undated

Physical Description: [2 copies.]

Photographs and miscellaneous file, Series IV. circa 1950s-1960s, 1980s, 1999-2007, undated

Physical Description: 1.0 linear foot (3 boxes and 1 binder)

Arrangement

These records are arranged by accession.

Scope and Contents note

Records consist of 6 black and white photographs and 45 color photographs, mid-1980s and undated, of the J. Paul Getty Ranch House. The photographs depict the house before, during, and after the renovations of gallery space to office, and conservation and laboratory space; these renovations were carried out after the opening of the Villa rendered the gallery spaces unnecessary.

Mixed materials 1986.IA.27-1

[6 black and white photographs of the Ranch House before renovation], undated

General note

[The photographs depict Ranch House interiors, primarily office spaces.]

Mixed materials 1986.IA.39-1, Folder 1

[10 5" x 8" inch photographs of the Ranch House during renovation, taken by Mitchell Hearns Bishop], circa 1980s

Mixed materials 1986.IA.39-1, Folder 2

[35 8" x 10" inch photographs of the Ranch House during renovation, taken by Mitchell Hearns Bishop], circa 1980s

Physical Description: [1 of 2]

Mixed materials 1986.IA.39-1, Folder 3

[35 8" x 10" inch photographs of the Ranch House during renovation, taken by Mitchell Hearns Bishop], circa 1980s

Physical Description: [2 of 2]

Mixed materials 2010.IA.04-01

Fredericksen: "Original Ranch House, Grounds, and Museum," circa 1960s

Physical Description: 0.2 linear feet (1 binder)

Scope and Contents note

These photographs have been attributed to Burton Fredricksen. Contains 116 color prints and 2 black-and-white prints of the original Ranch House, galleries, grounds, and animals as well as corresponding photographic slides. Prints are approximately 5 x 7 inches each.

Mixed materials 2010.IA.04-02

Photos of Ranch house maintained by Villa librarian, circa 1950s

Physical Description: (1 folder)

Scope and Contents note

Contains photographs of the Ranch House, grounds, and galleries maintained by Villa librarian Barbara Furbush. Contains 14 black-and-white prints, 3 color prints (approximately 8 x 10 each) and 1 hand-tinted print. Also contains a partial inventory of the photographs, an email related to the photographs, and 4 photographic negatives.

Mixed materials 2010.IA.04-02

Ranch House subject file maintained by Villa librarian, 1960s-2007

Physical Description: (1 folder)

Scope and Contents note

File contains photocopies of various sources of information on Mr. Getty and the Ranch House such as newspaper clippings, photographs, publications, and lists of archival resources found at non-Getty repositories. This material was collected and maintained by Barbara Furbush, Villa librarian.

Container List