“Architecture is really about life, and building a place for life.”
–John C. Portman, Jr.
research
The Portman Archives collects a variety of materials documenting the life and work of John C. Portman, Jr. It contains a mix of personal and corporate history; however, it is not the repository of the business records for the Portman Companies. The archive is the repository for architectural plans and drawings, visual and audiovisual materials, publications, and artifacts; we also manage Mr. Portman’s personal and collected artworks, and his furniture and lighting designs.
A consultation with the Archives’ staff is strongly recommended to assist in identifying records pertinent to your research.
Architectural plans and drawings 1952-2003
Includes but is not limited to plans, drawings, and some presentation books of architectural projects by John C. Portman, Jr. and the firms: Edwards and Portman, and John Portman & Associates. Dates range from 1952 to 2003 for plans and drawings, and from 1982 to 2017 for presentation books. The Presentation books are primarily of international projects but include regional educational projects. Drawings have been digitized or are in the process of being digitized for use; however, some of the older projects are only available on microfiche at this time.
Visual and audiovisual materials 1946 to 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.
Peachtree Center timeline
Publications 1960 to present
Includes but is not limited to books, magazines, newspaper clippings, newsletters, and online articles about John C. Portman, Jr. or his architectural projects. Project specific publications may have been digitized; however, the bulk of these materials are only available for in-person review.
Artifacts 1950’s to present
Includes but is not limited to awards, plaques, conceptual models, project memorabilia, diplomas, architectural presentations, material samples, topping off/groundbreaking ephemera, gifts, and street signs. Access to artifacts varies; however, all artifacts have been photographed and images are available for review.
Artworks 1981-2017
Includes paintings and sculptures created by John C. Portman, Jr. from 1981 to 2017 and includes the posthumous work Koan slated to be installed on the Georgia Institute of Technology campus. Materials include but are not limited to sketches, maquettes, and correspondence, with photographic documentation of: artworks, creation process of sculptural artworks at the Polich Talix Foundry, installation of larger sculptural works, and exhibit documentation. Access to artworks varies; however, a good portion of works are on display and open to the public during business hours [contact the archive for a list of these artworks and where these artworks are on display]. All artworks have been photographed and images are available for review.
Collected artworks 1960-2017
Includes 2D and 3D artworks collected by John C. Portman, Jr. since 1960; of note in the collection are the collaborative glass works of Egidio Costantini and prominent artists including Mr. Portman. Support materials for the collected works includes correspondence with artists and their representatives, exhibition/gallery catalogues, and administrative documentation. This collection is not currently open to researchers.
Furniture and Lighting Design 1968-2016
Includes chairs, tables, desks, chandeliers, and lamps created by John C. Portman, Jr. from 1968 to 2016. Materials include plans, sketches, prototypes, and correspondence, with photographic documentation of furniture and lighting designs. Access to furniture or lighting designs vary; however, a good portion of designs are on display and open to the public during business hours [contact the archive for a list of these designs and where these designs are on display]. All designs have been photographed and images are available for review.
Filming Locations 1974 to 2019
Includes but is not limited to films, tv series, commercials, music videos, and video games that feature Portman architectural projects as a location for the production or within the background scenery. Only a small section of this material is available for review in the archive.
Contemporary Photography 2018 to 2020
Includes born digital high resolution photography of 'Legacy' Portman architectural projects. Images were taken in house by photographer David Naughton and are available to license for personal or commercial use.
