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Peter Smeallie and Peter Smith photographs

 Collection
Identifier: MS2122

Collection Scope and Content

The Peter Smeallie and Peter Smith Collection consists of 167 photographs and graphics that were reproduced in the book New Construction for Older Buildings: A Design Sourcebook for Archivists and Preservationists (New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1990), which they co-authored. The collection also contains .25 linear feet of correspondence and releases.

The Peter Smeallie and Peter Smith Collection of photographs demonstrates the importance of combining old and new buildings in architectural renovation projects. Such designs are aesthetically pleasing in addition to being practical, and became common in the 1980's. Fostered in large part by the historic preservation movement, this mixing of new and old architectural styles is not limited to only historic or significant buildings, as those represented in this collection range from small residential buildings to large office and retail complexes. The photographs visually document a wide range of successful architectural renovations throughout the country, with many of them dealing with the Washington, DC area.

Dates

  • 1980-1990

Creator

Restrictions on Access

This collection is open for research.

Restrictions on Use

Regarding Series 1 and 2, the majority of the photos were given to Mr. Smeallie and Mr. Smith by the architects and designers of each individual project represented in the book, and are therefore under copyright restrictions for reproduction purposes. Those identified on the back of the photo as "Smeallie/Smith" may be reproduced with the permission of the Special Collections Department, which owns the rights to them.

Biographical Note

As of 1995, Peter H. Smeallie was President of Research Opportunities Management, a Virginia consulting firm offering strategic advice on creating research and development programs for universities and other organizations. At the time these photos were donated to Special Collections, Mr. Smeallie, who has a degree in Urban Studies from St. Lawrence University, was affiliated with the National Academy of Sciences. His duties during his twelve years there included directing advisory research studies in areas such as geotechnology, manufacturing, construction technology, and infrastructure and urban systems. While with the Academy, Mr. Smeallie also served as a senior officer of the Building Research Board, and was study director for over 20 major projects. From 1979-82 Mr. Smeallie was Vice President of Thomas Vonier Associates, Inc., an architectural and construction firm. Among his clients were the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the National Building Museum, and the National Park Service. During this time he authored (with J. Eberhard) A Guide to the Federal Government for Design and Building Professionals.

As of 1995, Peter H. Smith was employed by the city of Alexandria, Virginia, where he administered both the Old and Historic Alexandria District, and the Parker-Gray District Boards for the Department of Planning and Zoning. Mr. Smith holds a Ph.D. in American Studies from The George Washington University, and has been active in historic preservation in the Washington area for more than 20 years. Prior to joining the staff of the city of Alexandria, he held positions at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Advisory Council for Historic Preservation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Mr. Smith has served as private consultant on a number of preservation projects and was a founder of the D.C. Preservation League.

Extent

1.75 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The Peter Smeallie and Peter Smith Collection consists of 167 photographs and graphics that were reproduced in the book New Construction for Older Buildings: A Design Sourcebook for Archivists and Preservationists (New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1990), which they co-authored. The collection also contains .25 linear feet of correspondence and releases.

Collection Organization

Organized into two series: Photographs; Correspondence and Releases.

Title
Guide to the Peter Smeallie and Peter Smith photographs, 1980-1990
Status
Completed
Author
Special Collections Research Center, The George Washington University
Date
2005
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections Research Center, The George Washington University Repository

Contact:
2130 H Street NW
Washington 20052 United States of America