The collection consists of 298 photographs, 1878-1951 (bulk 1890-1915), collected by Orrin Peck, portraitist and landscape painter, and his sister Janet. Primarily portraits, the photographs depict friends and acquaintances (both identified and unidentified) of Orrin and Janet Peck, with particular emphasis on Phoebe Apperson Hearst and William Randolph Hearst. Also included are California scenes, including numerous views of San Francisco; unidentified residential exteriors and interiors; views of Mrs. Hearst's home, La Hacienda del Pozo de Verona in Alameda County, California; and views of William Randolph Hearst's castle "Wyntoon" (designed by architect Julia Morgan) near Mount Shasta, California.

Orrin M. Peck (1860-1921), was born in Hobart, New York. His mother Margaret befriended Phoebe Apperson Hearst (1842-1919) on a steamship voyage from Panama to San Francisco. Peck became a close friend of Phoebe's son, William Randolph Hearst (1863-1951), and served as best man at his wedding. Peck studied art in Munich where he collaborated with Carl von Marr (1858-1936) on some of his work. Peck became an accomplished portrait and landscape painter. He was commisssioned to paint portraits of Mrs. Hearst and William Randolph Hearst, one of which hangs in Hearst's San Simeon, where Peck also designed the landscaping in 1920. Peck died suddenly in Los Angeles in 1921.

4.58 linear feet, 5 boxes

All requests for permission to publish photographs must be submitted in writing to the Curator of Photographs. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Huntington as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.