“Architecture is really about life, and building a place for life.”
–John C. Portman, Jr.
archive index
The Portman Archives collects a variety of physical and digital assets documenting the life and work of John C. Portman, Jr.. Below is a brief list and description of most the holdings in the Archives.
A consultation with the Archives’ staff is strongly recommended to assist in identifying records pertinent to your research.
Architecture and Architectural Drawings
1950-2017
Architectural projects by John C. Portman, Jr. as an intern architect with Stevens and Wilkinson from 1950 to 1953, as a solo architectural practice with the assistance of John Street from 1953 to 1956, as a partnership with H. Griffith Edwards as the firm Edwards and Portman from 1956 to 1968, and then as the firm John Portman and Associates from 1969 to 2017.
Visual and Audiovisual Materials
1946-Present
Includes but is not limited to photographs, renderings, presentation drawings, marketing materials, interviews, news footage, feature films/documentaries, and internal company training videos of architectural projects by John C. Portman, Jr. and the firms: Edwards and Portman, and John Portman & Associates. Photographs include models, site visits, ground breakings, constructions, topping off, ribbon cuttings, grand openings, completed project documentation, project evolution over the years, and select company events, activities, and community services. Materials specific to Mr. Portman include photographs, interviews, correspondence, and speeches. Over half of the visual materials have been digitized with the remaining materials becoming digitized as the collections are cataloged; all audiovisual materials have been digitized.
Furniture and Lighting Design
1968-2016
Chairs, tables, desks, chandeliers, and lamps created by John C. Portman, Jr. Materials include plans, sketches, prototypes, and correspondence, with photographic documentation of furniture and lighting designs.
Artworks
1981-2017
Paintings and sculptures created by John C. Portman, Jr.
Collected Artworks
1960-2017
Includes 2D and 3D artworks collected by John C. Portman, Jr. Of note in the collection are the collaborative glass works of Egidio Costantini. Please contact the Archives staff for further inquiries.
List of Filming Locations (in Progress)
1974-Present
Media that feature Portman architectural projects as a location for the production or within the background scenery.
Books and Film
1976-Present
Books and films done in collaboration with Portman or the Portman Foundation.
Contemporary Photography
2018-2020
Born digital high-resolution photography of Portman architectural projects. Images were taken by photographer David Naughton and are available to license for personal or commercial use.
