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AP19:006

For Immediate Release
January 15, 2019
Contact:
SOS Press Office
(916) 653-6575

State Archives Digitizes its Complete Collection of Famed Architect Alfred Eichler’s Designs

SACRAMENTO – For the first time, the California States Archives has digitized its entire collection of esteemed architect Alfred Eichler’s drawings, sketches, and watercolors. This collection of 431 images of his public project designs spans from 1925 to 1962. The complete collection is searchable and can be browsed on the Secretary of State’s website. In 2018, the State Archives previously released a digital exhibit sampling some of Eichler’s work on the Google Arts & Culture platform.

Click here to view the State Archives Complete Collection of Alfred Eichler’s Project Designs

 “Alfred Eichler was instrumental in designing public works that reflected the growing vibrancy and diversity of the Golden State in the first half of the 20th Century,” said Secretary of State Alex Padilla. “Many of Eichler’s designs became California icons. Eichler’s ability to use a variety of styles—from brutalist to Spanish mission revival to midcentury modern—is a testament to his skill as an architect. I am proud that the State Archives is continuing our work to provide digital access to our state’s rich history.”

Alfred William Eichler (1895-1977) grew up in San Francisco and studied at Columbia University and the Beaux Arts Institute of Design in New York. His architectural career began with his service as a civilian architect for the U.S. Navy during WWI and culminated in being a Supervisory Architect for California’s Department of Public Works.

Some iconic buildings and infrastructure designed and renovated by Alfred Eichler include:

  • San Quentin Prison
  • Camarillo State Hospital
  • The Renovated  Benicia State Capitol building
  • Sacramento’s Tower Bridge
  • Fort Yuma Quarantine Inspection Area
  • Buildings that became part of the San Diego State and University of California, Santa Barbara campuses

The State Archives will host Bruce Marwick to speak on the life and work of Eichler on Thursday, January 17 at 5:00 pm.

Click here to RSVP and get more information on Archives Speaker Series event: “Alfred Eichler: The Life of an Exceptional Architect and Watercolor Painter”

Marwick is a board member of the Sacramento History Alliance and former Vice President for the Sacramento Art Deco Society. Marwick’s presentation, “Alfred Eichler: The Life of an Exceptional Architect and Watercolor Painter,” will delve into the similarities and differences between Eichler’s works, stylistic evolution, and what they reveal about his life.

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