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Willy Arnheim collection: Restoration of the West Central Front, United States Capitol

 Collection
Identifier: MS2162

Collection Scope and Content

This collection contains reports, photographs, slides, correspondence, and clippings related to the restoration of the West Front of the United States Capitol. The material dates from 1962 to 1985. The reports, images, and correspondence address the technical issues involved in the restoration, whereas the clippings are mainly concerned with the political debates surrounding the proposed expansion and restoration of the building. Note that in most cases the clippings have been discarded and replaced with lists of the articles' titles, sources, and dates.

Dates

  • 1962-1985

Creator

Restrictions on Access

The collection is open for research.

Restrictions on Use

Some material may be copyrighted or restricted. It is the patron's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections.

Historical or Biographical Note

Willy Arnheim (1911-1990) was a stone mason and later worked as a consultant for the restoration of several stone buildings in Washington, D.C., including the United States Capitol, Smithsonian Institution, and National Gallery of Art. Arnheim was born in 1911 in Sweden, and immigrated to the United States in 1928. Additionally, he was union organizer before serving as construction superintendent on over 100 buildings in the Washington, D.C. area and around the country. Arnheim died in 1990.

Extent

0.5 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Collection contains reports, photographs, slides, correspondence, and list of clippings related to the restoration of the West Front of the United States Capitol. The material dates from 1962 to 1985. The reports, images, and correspondence address the technical issues involved in the restoration, whereas the clippings are mainly concerned with the political debates surrounding the proposed expansion and restoration of the building.

Acquisition Information

The collection was donated by Alaine Arnheim in 1988.

Processing Information

This finding aid was revised in 2022 to address outdated descriptive language. During that revision staff edited the description in the Biographical/Historical Note. To see the description prior to revisions, please view the previous version of the Willy Arnheim collection: Restoration of the West Central Front, United States Capitol finding aid.

Title
Guide to the Willy Arnheim collection: Restoration of the West Central Front, United States Capitol, 1962-1985
Status
Completed
Author
Special Collections Research Center, The George Washington University
Date
2006
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