The Wright Tour Pt. 8: DTLA

We're closing in on the finish of this series…I promise! After viewing the Hollyhock House, we had a whirlwind tour of Downtown LA, which included the Frank Gehry designed Walt Disney Concert Hall.



I remember when I first saw photos of it I was not enthralled; definitely not my taste. However, the incredibly creative building has grown on me.



I dashed around the building snapping as we had very little time at each stop. Up on the building's rooftop garden is this piece of art called "A Rose for Lilly."



The Gehry designed fountain is in honor of Walt's wife, Lillian, and her love for Royal Delft porcelain vases and roses. The fountain is a large rose that’s covered in thousands of broken pieces of Delft porcelain and tiles.



The building looks gorgeous against a blue sky; a photographer's dream. Well…at least mine.



Next up was the Bradbury Building.



It has been used in a number of movies, most notably, "Blade Runner" with Harrison Ford.



The 1893 building was commissioned by Los Angeles gold-mining millionaire Lewis L. Bradbury and constructed by draftsman George Wyman from the original design by Sumner Hunt.



Every time I visit it, there are a number of people gawking over the impressive interiors.



It is jaw-dropping at wide-angle as well as closeup.







Two of my favorite things: vintage tile…



and vintage light fixtures (please note Darryl; a return to sanity).









On the right is a display of info and photos about "Blade Runner" and the Bradbury building:





We were also afforded quite a bit of time at the LA County Museum of Art; always an enjoyable visit.





This spaghetti-like art installation in the courtyard had people mesmerized walking in and out of its tentacles.





I loved the light in this hallway.



The late Gloria Stuart of "Titanic" fame (the older Rose) was also a painter. This one is from the 1960s and part of a series she did on the Watts Towers.



Another favorite discovery for me on this trip was this portrait of Dr. Felix J. Weil, 1926, by George Grosz, a German Painter.



This vintage Bluebird radio is right up my alley.





Loved the lighting and layout in this display also:



A statue from the outdoor sculpture garden:



More Los Angeles photos at my main website.

Tribute to Diane Disney Miller

Yesterday, Walt's legacy on this earth got a little dimmer when his daughter and champion, Diane Disney Miller, passed away.



In 1954, she married Ron Miller, and together, they raised seven children. Three of them are shown here with their proud grandfather.





Some of the things she will be remembered for include her diligence about keeping Frank Gehry as the architect for the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.



Her crowning achievement will most likely be the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco.



I never had the opportunity to meet Diane, but I do remember Julie Nixon Eisenhower telling me how Diane had made a difference in her life.



During one of the many times that Julie's father was being bashed by the press, Diane called her up to give some understanding and compassion since she had suffered through similar abuse from the media that had been heaped on her own father. Both adored their parents, and while they saw the flaws, they also saw the magnificent gifts that they had worked tirelessly to bestow upon the world. I thought that was a wonderful testament to the character of Diane.

Rest in peace, Diane; I hope someone in the family takes up your role in keeping the legacy of Walt alive in such a positive and meaningful way.

See more vintage & current Disneyland photos on my Disneyland web pages.

Walt Disney Concert Hall

Just like my opinion of Billie Holiday, the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles was not an entity that I immediately embraced. Seeing the drawings/model out of context from its environment, I really thought it was an ugly piece of modern crap. Seeing it in person, it really is an amazing architectural wonder and will make your jaw drop (in a good way). Like so many things, taking something out of context can lead to poor judgments and critiques. This visit to the Hall, I saw the Lillian Disney sculpture for the first time. What a beautiful setting. Kudos to Frank Gehry on this one.







And what would a Daveland post be without a shot of the signage?



For more Daveland Walt Disney Concert Hall photos, visit my regular website.

600th Post Anniversary, 1956, & Disney Concert Hall

In honor of my 600th post, I am re-posting one of my favorite images with a little bonus: a detailed closeup. This shot shows the lowering of the drawbridge; not on opening day, but the day after: July 18, 1955. I love the overall shot; a small group is nearby watching intently as the drawbridge comes down and opens up Fantasyland for all to enter. Meanwhile, over on the left, we have a group of guests relaxing, probably watching something over at the bandstand, totally oblivious to what is happening behind them. Note the hill on the right behind the castle; Snow White’s waterfall is yet to be built.



My next series which I am unveiling today is one from 1956; some of these shots are a little grainy/dark, but they are still purty darn cool in my humble opinion. Let’s start with a semi-blurry shot of the entrance, complete with a retro-green Vespa and the E.P. Ripley pulling RETLAW 1, just pulling into the Main Street Train Station. Talk about a sense of arrival! I love seeing the train just pulling up first thing in the morning; it’s always a challenge to get through the ticket line in time to make it onto the Ripley!



Looks like our photographer made it in the gate just in time; with a lively step he might be able to board! I have also included a detail train/attraction poster shot:





Seems like his attention was caught by Vesey Walker & Company, passing by the announcement sign for International Street.



Here’s a nice empty shot of Town Square, facing the Opera House:



Rounding the corner we have two showcasing the Wurlitzer Shop and Maxwell House:





Many more to come from this series! Sometimes people change their opinions; even ranters and ravers like me. I remember when I first saw the drawings and models for the Walt Disney Concert Hall before it was built in downtown Los Angeles. I thought it was an ugly monstrosity and couldn’t believe it was going to bear the Disney name. After it was constructed, I saw it as I was driving through LA one day and decided to stop and take a gander. And you know what? It didn’t bother me so much. Now, years later, I was in the area again and took a much longer look. It’s actually pretty cool...I love the different finishes on the panels (due to complaints from neighbors about the reflectiveness of the original finish), and how the metallic surfaces catch the light & shadow. Quite amazing in person.



There will be more shots from the Concert Hall as well. To see more Town Square photos, visit my website.