Why are archives important?

The archive makes exhibits possible. Not only are we categorizing thousands of artworks, but our new archive also keeps them safe for generations to come. What began with a seed donation from our friend and long-time supporter, Deborah Szekely, has grown with a dollar-for-dollar matching grant. This has helped us bring the work of James Hubbell and Ilan-Lael to the cities of Tijuana, and most recently, Los Angeles with opening of “In Harmony With Nature: The Architectural Work of James Hubbell” at the Helms Bakery Design Center.


The Ilan-Lael Archive is a vital resource that maintains the objects, the provenance, and the history of James Hubbell’s vast body of art and architectural works. In addition to exhibitions, The Archive Project supports Hubbell art owners and collectors, and the educational mission of Ilan-Lael Foundation, making James’s work accessible and in front of new generations of scholars and art lovers. Much work remains to be done, and your support is vital to our efforts.

The Ilan-Lael Foundation has the enviable task of creating and maintaining a database of information about artist James Hubbell’s life and career. The records we are assembling document artworks, patterns, plans, photographs, film, video, books and paper records that span Hubbell’s career and life. We are preserving and digitizing this work to make it accessible to collectors and scholars and curators, to help educate future generations, and, to build the provenance that will help increase the value of Hubbell artwork in years to come.


FROM THE ARCHIVES

Read about the exciting findings from Ilan-Lael Archivist, Laurel Costa with our series “From The Archives with Laurel Costa.”

Never Before Seen Footage: a Film showing the building of the drafting studio from long time ILF friend Tom Stiller

Meet the Metal Master, Bill Porter

The Beginning of James Hubbell Stained Glass

Do you own an artwork by James Hubbell?

Please let us know so we can add its photo and title to the record of his life’s work. Contact archive@ilanlaelfoundation.org


Ilan-Lael Archivist Laurel Costa and Jim Hubbell rediscover his drawings of the Palace Doors of Abu Dhabi. PHOTO by Marianne Gerdes.