Walter Sobotka architectural records and papers, 1897-1971, bulk 1922-1954

Summary Information

At a Glance

Bib ID:: 6703067 View CLIO record
Creator(s):: Sobotka, Walter; Augenfeld, Felix, 1893-1984; Behrens, Peter, 1868-1940; Frank, Josef, 1885-1967; Kassler, Elizabeth B. (Elizabeth Bauer), 1911-1998; Mumford, Lewis, 1895-1990; Sobotka, Ruth, 1925-1967; Gebrüder Thonet; Gustav Heinsheimer & Company; Hauser & Sobotka; Molla Inc.; Österreichischer Werkbund; Veitscher Magnesitwerke; Wiener Margarin-Compagnie; Exposition internationale (1937 : Paris, France)
Repository:: Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library
Physical Description:: 771 drawings; 107 photographs; 2 print boxes; 2 manuscript boxes; 1 scrapbook
Language(s):: German , English .
Access:: This collection is available for use by appointment in the Department of Drawings & Archives, Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Columbia University. For further information and to make an appointment, please email avery-drawings@library.columbia.edu.

Description

Scope and Content

This collection contains architectural records, student work, correspondence and professional writings related to the academic and architectural practice of Walter Sobotka. The largest portion of the collection, Series 1, relates to his architectural practice and contains drawings, files, and a scrapbook of photographs and articles pertaining to his work in Europe and America. The majority of his projects consisted of residential buildings and interiors in Austria along with furniture designs. However, there is also a selection of theater interiors that Sobotka designed for RKO across the United States. Series 2 contains a limited selection of Sobotka's lectures and writings, as well as correspondence. This series also contains material relating to two of his unpublished writings, The Prefabricated House and Principles of Design, including copies of the manuscripts, correspondence with publishers, and research materials. A bound version of Principles of Design is catalogued separately and contains an appendix in which Sobotka translated into English excerpts of his correspondence with the Viennese architect Josef Frank. Series 3 contains some artwork and student drawings, as well as a few personal letters.

Arrangement

This material is arranged in three series: Project Records; Professional Papers; and Personal Papers. Series are further described by subseries; the arrangement of materials within each subseries is described at the beginning of each subseries inventory.

Using the Collection

Restrictions on Access

This collection is available for use by appointment in the Department of Drawings & Archives, Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Columbia University. For further information and to make an appointment, please email avery-drawings@library.columbia.edu.

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

Columbia University is providing access to the materials in the Library's collections solely for noncommercial educational and research purposes. The unauthorized use, including, but not limited to, publication of the materials without the prior written permission of Columbia University is strictly prohibited. All inquiries regarding permission to publish should be submitted in writing to the Director, Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Columbia University. In addition to permission from Columbia University, permission of the copyright owner (if not Columbia University) and/or any holder of other rights (such as publicity and/or privacy rights) may also be required for reproduction, publication, distributions, and other uses. Responsibility for making an independent legal assessment of any item and securing any necessary permissions rests with the persons desiring to publish the item. Columbia University makes no warranties as to the accuracy of the materials or their fitness for a particular purpose.

Preferred Citation

Walter Sobotka architectural records and papers. Located in the Dept. of Drawings & Archives, Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Columbia University.

Related Materials in Other Collections

Walter Sobotka collaborated with Felix Augenfeld, another Viennese architect, on a few residential projects. A diazo print floor plan and photographs relating to the F. Schnabel apartment in Vienna, as well as photographs of Sobotka's interiors for the F. W. apartment and an apartment for Dr. Stein, can be found in the Felix Augenfeld architectural records and papers held by Avery Library's Department of Drawings & Archives. A full descriptive overview for the Augenfeld collection can be found in Columbia's online library catalog, CLIO.

Walter Sobotka donated a book about his daughter Ruth to Columbia's Rare Book and Manuscript Library after her untimely death in 1967. This book was compiled and published privately by Walter Sobotka. A full catalog description may be found in Columbia's online library catalog, CLIO.

The University of Pittsburgh also maintains some materials related to Sobotka's tenure on the faculty in their university archive.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Source of acquisition--The exact donor of this collection is unknown. It was likely a gift from Walter Sobotka to Avery Library in 1971. Accession number--1971.007.

About the Finding Aid / Processing Information

Columbia University Libraries, Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library

Processing Information

Drawings Processed Teresa Harris 06/2008.

Revision Description

2009-03-03 File created.

2009-07-23 File revised

2019-05-20 EAD was imported spring 2019 as part of the ArchivesSpace Phase II migration.

Biographical / Historical

Walter S. Sobotka was born on July 1, 1888 in Vienna. He was the son of Dr. Ignaz and Hedwig Sobotka. Sobotka attended the Franz-Josef-Gymnasium in Vienna, graduating in 1907. He then enrolled at the Technischen Hochschule Wien, studying under Karl König. He completed his degree in 1912 with the title of Engineer-Architect. Sobotka served as an officer in the Austrian army during World War I. After the war, from 1919 to 1923, he worked for the Viennese firm of Karl Korn while also producing grave monuments and furniture for his family in Vienna and Czechoslovakia. In 1919, he married Gisela Schoenau. Their daughter Ruth was born in 1925 and later became a dancer with the New York City Ballet under Balanchine, as well as a costume designer and actress.

After leaving Korn's firm, Sobotka began to make a name for himself with some larger residential projects, eventually designing the interiors for Peter Behrens's house at the Weisenhoff Siedlung built for the Deutscher Werkbund Seidlung in Stuttgart [1927]. He also designed two large housing projects for the city of Vienna and two houses for the 1932 Österreichischer Wekbund Seidlung. Sobotka was very involved with the Austrian Werkbund and served as vice-chairman of the board of directors for two years. Exhibitions, mostly of furniture, constituted another important part of Sobotka's practice, and in 1937 he designed the Austrian Pavilion for the World Exposition in Paris.

When the political situation in Austria became too tenuous for those of Jewish descent, Sobotka emigrated to the United States. He made the trans-Atlantic crossing aboard the Saturnia, arriving in New York on July 7th, 1938. In 1941, he began to teach at the University of Pittsburgh in the Research Bureau for Retail Training, becoming an Assistant Professor of Textiles and Applied Arts five years later. He also taught architecture at the Carnegie Institute of Technology from 1941 to 1948. He was appointed Assistant Professor for Interior Decoration in 1946.

Sobotka's practice in the United States focused mostly upon residential interiors and furniture design, for Thonet Brothers (1938-1939) and Russel Wright, among others. He also designed numerous theater interiors for RKO. His architecture can be classified as modernist but he never fully embraced functionalism. His interiors reveal the decorative and ornamental influences of his training in early twentieth century Vienna. Sobotka maintained lifelong friendships with other Viennese architects, most notably Josef Frank.

Two unpublished manuscripts are important for understanding Sobotka's approach to design. His proposal for a Prefabricated House consists of some thirty pages of drawings, delineating a basic unit of construction and providing examples of combinations of that unit for use as single family homes, dormitories and summer resorts. He also wrote a theoretical treatise, entitled Principles of Design, in which he broke the complex process of design into its various components including color and proportion. This treatise was an attempt to create a general methodology of design that could be utilized by the reader. Despite repeated attempts, Sobotka was unable to find a publisher for these manuscripts.

In 1957 he traveled to Japan on a consulting mission for the United States government, specifically for the State Department's International Cooperative Administration. The purpose of the trip was to explore ways of increasing the export of Japanese applied arts to the United States. Sobotka retired from the University of Pittsburgh in 1958, receiving the title of Professor Emeritus of Textiles and Applied Arts (Retailing). He died of a heart attack at his home in New York on May 8th, 1972.

Subject Headings

The subject headings listed below are found in this collection. Links below allow searches for other collections at Columbia University, through CLIO, the catalog for Columbia University Libraries, and through ArchiveGRID, a catalog that allows users to search the holdings of multiple research libraries and archives.

All links open new windows.

Genre/Form
Architectural reprographic prints
Carbon typescript papers
Correspondence
Holograph papers
Mixed media works
Photographic prints
Printing paper
typescripts
Place
Weissenhofsiedlung (Stuttgart, Germany)
Subject
Architect-designed furniture
Architecture -- Austria -- Designs and plans
Architecture -- United States -- Designs and plans
Architecture, Domestic
Design -- History -- 20th century
Furniture design -- Austria
Furniture design -- United States
Interior decoration -- History -- 20th century
Public housing -- Austria
Sanatoriums
Scrapbooks
Sepulchral monuments
Theaters -- Decoration

Series 1: Project Records

Subseries A: Drawings

Materials are arranged in alphabetical order by country or state, then by city and project name, followed by unidentified projects arranged in alphabetical order by title.

A complete inventory of these drawings may be found in thisdownloadable Excel spreadsheet.

Subseries B: Files

Materials are arranged in alphabetical order by country and city.

Box 3 Folder 1

Housing Project, Guntramsdorf, Austria., 1927 Jun 29-1928 Sep 25, Typescript papers, and typed letter, signed

Project description. Includes letter from the mayor of Guntramsdorf explaining why the municipality cannot build the housing project

Box 3 Folder 4

Surgical Sanatorium, Vienna (Grinzing), Austria., 1935 Aug 02, Typescript papers

Project description.

Box 3 Folder 2

Sobotka, Walther. Apartment Building, Vienna, Austria (Troststrasse at the corner of Leebgasse)., 1937 Dec, Typescript papers

Correspondence with Engineer and [Owner].

Box 3 Folder 3

Sperber, J., Dr., Residence, Vienna, Austria (Krottonbachstrasse, 5)., undated, Typescript papers

Project description.

Box 3 Folder 5

Sobotka, Walther. Kjerulf, Axel, Residence, Klampenborg near Copenhagen, Denmark., undated, Typescript papers

Project description.

Box 3 Folder 6

Sobotka, Walther. Austrian Pavilion, Paris Exposition 1937, Competition, Paris, France., undated

Project description.

Box 3 Folder 7

Sobotka, Walther. Bolin, Residence, Småryd-Båstad, Sweden., undated, typescript papers

Project description.

Subseries C: Scrapbook

Materials listed in order of appearance in the scrapbook.

Four Flap Scrapbook

Sobotka, Ignaz, Dr., Memorial. Unidentified location., 1910, 1 item; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Lake Promenade, Gate. Strobl, Austria, 1912-1913, 1 item; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Rothberger, M., Sculptor's Studio. Vienna, Austria, 1913, 1 item; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Hauser, J., Memorial. Unidentified location, 1919, 2 items; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Sobotka, M., Memorial. Unidentified location, 1919, 2 items; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Heinsheimer, Apartment, Ceramic Stove. Unidentified location, 1922, 1 item; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Sobotka, F., Gen. Consul, Cabinet. Unidentified location, 1923, 1 item; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Granichstädten, Emmerich, Dr., Residence, Interior and Furnishings. Unidentified location, 1925, 3 items; Black and white photographic print

Also includes bound volume.

Granichstädten, Emmerich, Dr., Residence. Unidentified location, 1925, 1 item; Black and white photographic print

Also includes bound volume.

Kahler, Residence, Interiors. Wolfratshausen, Germany, 1927, 2 items; Black and white photographic print

Also includes bound volume.

Weissenhof Siedlung, Interiors for House designed by Peter Behrens. Stuttgart, Germany, 1927, 1 item; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Christmas Exhibition, Österreichische Werkbund Room. Vienna, Austria, 1927, 1 item; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Karlskirche (Church of St. Charles), Soldiers' Memorial. Vienna, Austria, 1927, 1 item; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Gemeindebau Wien, Housing Project. Weinlechnergasse, Vienna, Austria, 1927-1928, 1 item; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Also includes bound volume; City of Vienna, client.

"Pressa" Exhibition, Interior., 1928, 1 item; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Adam, Otto, Residence. Iglau, Czech Republic, 1929-1930, 1 item; Black and white photographic print

Bound volume; now Jihlava, Czech Republic.

Epstein, Memorial., 1930, 1 item; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Werkbundausstellung, Hotel Lobby. Vienna, Austria, 1930, 2 items; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Also includes bound volume.

Seidner, H., Apartment, Interiors. Iglau, Czech Republic, 1931, 2 items; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Also includes bound volume.

Die Neuzeitliche Wohnung, Interiors. Vienna, Austria, 1931, 2 items; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Also includes bound volume.

Internationale Raumausstellung IRA, Interior. Cologne, Germany, 1931, 1 item; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Also includes bound volume.

Sobotka, Walther. "Zur Ausstellung." Der Gute Billige Gegenstand, Ausstellung im Österreichischen Museum für Kunst und Industrie., 1931-1932, 1 item; Printed material, mounted

Gemeindebau Wien, Housing Project. Donaufelderstrasse, Vienna, Austria, 1931-1932, 2 items; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Also includes bound volume. City of Vienna, client

Werkbundsiedlung, Rowhouses. Vienna-Lainz, Austria, 1932, 2 items; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Also includes bound volume. Houses destroyed during World War II, 1944

Werkbundsiedlung, Rowhouse, 29, Interior. Vienna-Lainz, Austria, 1932, 1 item; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Also includes bound volume.

Büchler, Memorial., 1933, 1 item; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Weiss, Fritz, Apartment, Furnishings. Vienna, Austria, 1935, 6 items; Black and white photographic print, mounted

"Design for To-day.", 1935, 1 item; Printed material, mounted

Article excerpt on Sobotka, with image of Fritz Weiss Apartment.

Stein, Dr., Residence, Interiors. Prague, Czech Republic, 1936, 3 items; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Szölösi, S., [Apartment], Interiors. Vienna, Austria, 1936, 1 item; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Bix, Dr., Apartment, Interiors. Vienna, Austria, 1936, 2 items; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Hutter, Apartment, Interiors. Vienna, Austria, 1936, 2 items; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Rattner, Apartment, Interiors. Vienna, Austria, 1936, 1 item; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Pilzer, Generaldir., Apartment. Vienna, Austria, 1936, 1 item; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Restaurant am Franzikanerplatz. Franziskanerplatz, Vienna, Austria, 1936-1937, 1 item; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Restaurant am Franzikanerplatz, Interiors. Franziskanerplatz, Vienna, Austria, 1936-1937, 8 items; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Mandl, Fritz, Hunting Lodge, alterations and expansion. Schwarzau, Austria, 1937, 1 item; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Untitled article on the Werkbund Exhibition, "Moderne Möbel aus Privatem Besitz." Innen-Dekoration and excerpt from the guide to the exhibit., 1937, 1 item; printed material

Also includes bound volume.

Chorche, Dr., Apartment, Art Collection and Furnishings. Vienna, Austria, 1937, 2 items; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Hussar, Apartment, Barcabinet on casters. Vienna, Austria, 1937, 1 item; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Hygiene Exhibition, Displays for Joh. Hoff; Maggi, Kathreiner's Kneipe Malzkafee; Mautner Markhof, Yeast; and Strakosch, Sugar. Vienna, Austria, 1938, 4 items; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Rafalski, R., Apartment, Interiors. New York, NY, 1940, 4 items; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Also includes bound volume.

Veitscher Magnesitwerke A.G., Office Building. Schubertring, 10-12, Vienna, Austria, 1950, 1 item; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Presse Photo Makart [photographer].

Weiner, A., Residence. Pittsburgh, PA, 1960, 4 items; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Sobotka, Walther. "Das Möbel als Gerät." Innen-Dekoration., 1921 Jun, 1 item; Bound volume

Article includes images of George Sobotka Apartment.

Untitled article Moderne Bauformen., 1926 Mar, 1 item; Bound volume

Article includes images of Granichstädten Residence, Heinsheimer Office and Warehouse, Heinsheimer Apartment and W. Sobotka Apartment.

Sobotka, Walther. "Familienwohnhaus-Mietwohnung." Innen-Dekoration., 1927 Jan, 1 item; Bound volume

Article includes images of Granichstädten Residence

Volkelt, Johanne. "Vom Schauen des Schönen: Ästhetische Lust Bedeutet Belebung. Innen-Dekoration., 1927 Jan, 1 item; Bound volume

Article includes images of Granichstädten Residence

Hofmann, Herbe. "Das Erlebnis der Form." Innen-Dekoration., 1927 Jan, 1 item; Bound volume

Article includes images of Walther Sobotka Apartment

Schiebelhuth, Hans. "Lebensform als Verpflichtung: Der Höhere Sinn der Wohnkultur." Innen-Dekoration., 1927 Jan, 1 item; Bound volume

Article includes images of Walther Sobotka Apartment

W., Dr. "Brief an Einen Modernen Raumkünstler: Vom Streben nach den Bedingungen Gesunden Lebens." Innen-Dekoration., 1927 Jan, 1 item; Bound volume

Article includes images of Sobotka's Furniture.

Wenzel, Alfred. "Von der Neuen Wohnform: Die Kommende Grossstadt-Wohnung." Innen-Dekoration., 1927 Jan, 1 item; Bound volume

Ziegler, Leopold. "Einrichten, Publikum und Architekten." Innen-Dekoration., 1928 Apr, 1 item; Bound volume

Article includes images of Villa on Adriatic and Small House from "Kunstschau" Exhibition,.

Rössler, A.. "»Was Sein Soll«." Innen-Dekoration., 1928 Apr, 1 item; Bound volume

Article includes images of Mautner Apartment

Drost, Willi. "Handeln im Rechten Augenblick: Der Mensch Muss Sich Ganz Einsetzen." Innen-Dekoration., 1928 Apr, 1 item; Bound volume

Article includes images of furniture designs.

"Gedanken Über Tradition." Innen-Dekoration., 1928 Apr, 1 item; Bound volume

Article includes images of E.E. Apartment

Image of Granichstädten, E., Dr., Residence, Music Room. Die Kunst.Vienna, Austria, 1928 Oct, 1 item; Bound volume, mounted

"Der Verstand und die Kunst." Innen-Dekoration., 1929 Oct, 1 item; Bound volume

Article includes images of P. Beck Apartment and M. Heinsheimer Apartment.

Ritter, Heinrich. "Moral des Neuen Innenraums." Innen-Dekoration., 1929 Oct, 1 item; Bound volume

Article includes images of M. Heinsheimer Apartment

Dessauer, Friedrich Dr. "Das Werk des Technikers." Innen-Dekoration., 1929 Oct, 1 item; Bound volume

Article includes images of Helena Rubenstein Salon

Wichert, Fritz, Prof. "Die Neue Baukunst." Innen-Dekoration., 1929 Oct, 1 item; Bound volume

Article includes images of Dr. V. Pollak. Apartment and J. Federer Apartment

Untitled article on Werkbund Ausstellung Moderne Bauformen., 1930 Aug, 1 item; Bound volume

Excerpt from Das Schöne Heim., 1930 Oct, 1 item; Bound volume

Article includes images of Frank Apartment and Small House from "Kunstschau" Exhibition.

H., C "Interessanti particolari di alcuni ambienti di Walter Sobotka - Architetto Viennese." Domus ., 1931 Mar, 1 item; Bound volume

Article includes images of the Hieffer Apartment, Kahler House, and Strauss Apartment

Internationale Raumausstellung IRA Moderne Bauformen., 1931 Dec, 1 item; Bound volume, mounted

Eiser, Max, Professor. "Wohnhaus in Iglau Architekt Walther Sobotka, Wien." Moderne Bauformen., 1932 Jan, 1 item; Bound volume

Article includes images of Adam House and Hieffer Apartment.

Born, Wolfgang, Dr. "Einige Wiener Wohnungen: Arbeiten von Architekt Walther Sobotka-Wien." Innen-Dekoration., 1932 Feb, 1 item; Bound volume

Article includes images of the Wakler Apartment, Seidner Apartment, Pfundmayr Apartment, and Lorenz Apartment.

Internationale Raumausstellung IRA, Form., 1932 Apr, 1 item; Bound volume, mounted

Untitled article on Weinlechnergasse Housing Project Moderne Bauformen. Weinlechnergasse, Vienna, Austria, 1932 Apr, 1 item; Bound volume

Untitled article on the Werkbndsiedlung interiors. Innen-Dekoration., 1932 Aug, 1 item; Bound volume

Article includes images of House 29 and 30 of the Austrian Werkbundsiedlung

Untitled article on the Werkbundsiedlung. Moderne Bauformen., 1932 Sep, 1 item; Bound volume

Article includes images of House 29 and 30 of the Austrian Werkbundsiedlung

Untitled article on F. Schnabel Apartment, Interiors. Moderne Bauformen., 1932 Sep, 1 item; Bound volume

Hofmann, Else, Dr. "Architekt Walther Sobotka." Österreichische Kunst., 1933 Aug, 1 item; Bound volume

Article includes images of the Schwoner Apartment, Seidner Apartment, and Werkbundsiedlung.

"Organisation des Wohnbetriebs." Innen-Dekoration., 1933 Dec, 1 item; Bound volume

Article includes images of the Fridezko Apartment, Ettinger Apartment, Baudisch Apartment and the giftshop of the Viennese Werkbund

"Walther Sobotka, Wien/Wohnäume." Moderne Bauformen., 1934 Mar, 1 item; Bound volume

Article includes images of the Silberstein Apartment, Gibian Apartment, Baudisch Apartment, Schwoner Apartment, Fridezko Apartment and Oser Apartment.

Sch., E. "Wohnraum in einem New Yorker Miethaus." Innen-Dekoration (Architektur und Wohnform)., 1950 May, 1 item; Bound volume

Article includes images of chairs designed for Thonet Brothers, NY., 1939.

Roth, B., Dining Room, Barcabinet and Storage.Pittsburgh, PA, undated, 1 item; Color photographic print, mounted

Madden, M., Residence, Living Room, Barcabinet and Seat. Pittsburgh, PA, undated, 1 item; Color photographic print, mounted

Stern, W. P., Carlton House, Office Furnishings. Pittsburgh, PA, undated, 3 items; Color photographic print, mounted

Madden, M., Residence, Furnishings. Pittsburgh, PA, undated, 3 items; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Roth, B., Residence, Furnishings. Pittsburgh, PA, undated, 3 items; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Halphen Memorial. Unidentified location., undated, 1 item; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Oppenheimer, Alois, Optician, Storefront. Kärntnerstrasse, Vienna, Austria, undated, 1 item; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Ittner Storefront. Kärntnerstrasse, Vienna, Austria, undated, 1 item; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Gibian, E., Dr., Apartment, Interiors. Vienna, Austria, undated, 1 item; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Also includes bound volume.

Schwoner, B., Dr., Apartment, Interiors. Vienna, Austria, undated, 1 item; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Also includes bound volume.

Baudisch, Gudrun, Apartment. Vienna, Austria, undated, 2 items; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Also includes bound volume.

Schnabel, F., Apartment, Interiors. Vienna, Austria, undated, 1 item; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Also includes bound volume.

N., P., Apartment, Interiors. Vienna, Austria, undated, 1 item; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Lorenz, P., Apartment, Interiors. Vienna, Austria, undated, 2 items; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Wakler, R., Apartment, Interiors. Vienna, Austria, undated, 1 item; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Barany, E., Residence, Furnishings. Unidentified location., undated, 1 item; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Untitled article on "Die Neuzeitliche Wohnung" Exhibition Innen-Dekoration, 1931 Mar, 1 item; Bound volume

Anninger, O., Residence, Interior. Vienna, Austria, undated, 1 item; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Hildesheimer, A., Dr., Apartment, Interior. Vienna, Austria, undated, 1 item; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Frank, G., Apartment, Furnishings. Vienna, Austria, undated, 1 item; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Sobotka, W., Apartment, Interiors. Vienna, Austria, undated, 1 item; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Beck, P., Dr., Interiors. Unidentified location., undated, 1 item; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Also includes bound volume.

Heinsheimer, M., Apartment, Cabinet. Unidentified location., undated, 1 item; Black and white photographic print, mounted

Also includes bound volume.

Series 2: Professional Papers

Subseries A: General Papers

Materials are arranged in alphabetical order by title.

Drawer 179o

Exhibition Diplomas., 1925-1930, 3 items

Printed materials

Box 4 Folder 26

"Die neuzeitliche Wohnung." Wiener Sonn- und Montags-Zeitung., 1928 Jun 18

Printed materials

Box 4 Folder 13

"The Autobiography of a Fighting Architect: Frank Lloyd Wright Tells the Story of His Battle for a Humane Functionalism in Building." New York Times Book Review., 1932 Apr 03

Printed materials; autograph letter, signed

Box 4 Folder 14

Sedlmayr, Hans, Dr. "Der Karlsplatz, die Karlskirche und Wien." Neue Freie Presse., 1936 Apr 05

Printed materials

Originally filed with student drawings.

Box 4 Folder 24

Correspondence, Jean Wykoff to Sobotka., 1945 Jan 17

Typed letter, signed

Regarding Sobotka's induction into the University of Pittsburgh's Faculty Hall of Fame.

Box 4 Folder 22

Correspondence with Retail Home Furnishings magazine., 1945 Feb 16-1945 Apr 13

Typed letter, signed;typescript carbon

Regarding an article by Sobotka entitled "Putting Fashion In Its Place."

Box 4 Folder 20

Correspondence between Elizabeth B. Mock to Sobotka., 1945 Jul 23 and undated

Typed letter, signed; autograph letter; typescript carbon

Regarding the exhibition "Tomorrow's Small House"; handwritten draft of Sobotka's response on verso.

Box 4 Folder 16

Correspondence with Display World Magazine., 1946 Oct 29-1946 Nov 06

Typed letter, signed

Regarding an article by Sobotka to be published on Nov. 15 1946.

Box 4 Folder 15

Correspondence, Stephen V. P. Amico to Sobotka., 1947 Apr 01

Autograph letter, signed

Regarding an article by Sobotka for Charette [perhaps regarding The Prefabricated House].

Box 4 Folder 19

Correspondence with Interiors Magazine., 1950 Oct 13-1950 Oct 17

Telegram;typed letter, signed;typescript carbon;typescript papers, with annotations

Regarding Tenth Anniversary number of Interiors.

Box 4 Folder 21

Correspondence, Bernhard Pfau to Sobotka., 1951 Oct 05

Typed letter, signed

Box 4 Folder 18

Correspondence, Eric N. Gilling to Sobotka., 1951 Dec 18

Typed letter, signed

Box 4 Folder 23

Correspondence with Retailing Daily., 1952 Oct 07-1952 Oct 23

Typescript carbon;Typed letter, signed;printed materials

Includes a newspaper article by Harry Martin and a bulletin from Wittenborn and Company, Books on the Fine Arts.

Four Flap no #

Certificate honoring Sobotka's contributions to the University of Pittsburgh., 1958 Jun 10

Typescript paper, signed

Enclosed in plastic protective cover

Box 1 Folder 22

"Mitteilungen der Architekten-Vereinigung." Wiener Bauhütte, 1911 Dec

Printed materials

Box 4 Folder 17

Correspondence, Josef Frank to Sobotka., 1931 Aug-1935 Oct 26

Autograph letter, signed

Box 4 Folder 27

Notes on Vitruvius., undated

Holograph papers

Box 4 Folder 25

List of exhibitions., undated

Typescript paper

Subseries B: Lectures

Materials are arranged in chronological order, followed by undated papers arranged in alphabetical order by title.

Box 3 Folder 8

Untitled lecture [Development of Industrial Design] for the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh., 1941 Nov 17

Typescript papers, with annotations;holograph papers;typed letter, signed

Two copies and notes; also includes correspondence.

Box 3 Folder 9

Untitled lecture for K. K. T., 1941 Winter

Typescript papers, with annotations

Box 3 Folder 11

"Commercial Taste and Interior Decoration." Lecture for Fourteenth Meeting of the Western Pennsylvania Education Conference., 1942 Oct 09

Typescript papers, with annotations;typescript paper;autograph letter, signed;typed letter, signed

Two copies of lecture; includes program and correspondence.

Box 3 Folder 10

"Architect and Interior Designer and Client." Lecture at the Carnegie Institute of Technology as part of a course on Professional Practice., 1942 Oct 19

Typescript papers, with annotations;typescript paper

Lecture to seniors of the architectural class 1942-1943 at Carnegie Institute of Technology; includes schedule of lectures.

Box 3 Folder 12

Lecture on "Display" at Robert Morris School., 1944 Nov 28

Typescript carbon

Box 3 Folder 13

"The Age of Distribution." Lecture given at Outlines, A Public Gallery., 1945 Mar 25

Typescript carbon, with annotations;typed letter, signed;typescript papers

Includes announcement and correspondence.

Box 3 Folder 14

"An Architects View of Housing Problems." Lecture given to The Ciloets., 1945 Oct 01

Typescript papers, with annotations;typed letter, signed;typescript carbon

Includes correspondence.

Box 3 Folder 15

Announcements for "A Popular Course of Study on The Contemporary Home," a class at the Carnegie Institute of Technology., 1945 Oct 11-1946 May 16

Printed materials

Box 3 Folder 16

"Theoretical Aspects on the Prefabricated House.", 1946 May

Typescript carbon

Lecture given before the Pittsburgh Chapter of the AIA on May 21, 1946.

Box 3 Folder 17

"Why Interior Decoration?" Lecture given to the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh., 1947 Mar 09

Typescript papers, with annotations;typescript carbon;holograph papers;autograph letter, signed

Includes, announcements and correspondence.

Box 3 Folder 18

Lecture outline on Architecture, for Outlines, A Public Gallery., 1947 Spring

Holograph papers

Box 3 Folder 19

Correspondence, Daniel Hemmander to Sobotka, 1947 Dec 29

Typed letter, signed

Regarding reimbursement for slides used in lecture at Swedish Forum.

Box 3 Folder 20

"What Is Tradition?" Lecture given to the College Club., 1948 Jan 16

Typescript papers, with annotations;typescript carbon, with annotations;autograph letter, signed

Two copies of lecture; includes newspaper announcements and correspondence.

Box 3 Folder 21

"The Human Side of Interior Decoration." Lecture given to the Women's Clan of the Carnegie Institute of Technology., 1949 Jun 11

Typescript papers, with annotations;autograph letter, signed;typescript papers

Includes announcements, correspondence and abbreviated resume.

Box 3 Folder 22

"Relation Between House and Garden." Lecture given to the Hilltop Garden Club., 1949 Sep 08

Typescript papers with annotations;typescript carbon

Two copies of lecture; includes announcements.

Box 3 Folder 23

Notes for lecture given to the Laurel Garden Club., 1954 Nov 11

Holograph papers

Includes list of names, perhaps of attendees.

Box 3 Folder 24

"Who, what makes up the mind of the consumer? 'Style versus Fashion.'" Lecture given to the American Association of University Women., 1955 Jan 08

Typescript papers, with annotations;typescript carbon;typed letter, signed;typescript papers

Includes announcements and correspondence.

Box 3 Folder 25

Speech upon retiring and becoming Professor Emeritus at the University of Pittsburgh., 1958 Jun 10

Typescript papers with annotations;typed letter, signed;holograph paper

Includes correspondence and list of reservations for retirement dinner.

Box 3 Folder 26

Untitled lecture., undated

Holograph papers

Box 3 Folder 27

Original file folder containing lecture materials., undated

Holograph papers

Subseries C: Prefabricated House

Materials are arranged in alphabetical order by title.

Box 3 Fol. 40

Dahlberg, Bror. "The House of the Future." An address in Washington, D. C., 1943 Feb 03

Printed materials

Box 3 Folder 36

Correspondence with Publishers and Critics., 1943 Jul 29-1949 Jul 30

Typed letter, signed;typescript carbon;typed letter;holograph papers

Includes correspondence with Lewis Mumford and various publishers.

Box 3 Folder 37

"Description of the Prefabricated House." The Charette., 1947 Apr-1947 May

Printed materials

Box 3 Folder 38

"Development and Assembly of the Prefabricated House." The Charette., 1947 Jun-1947 Jul

Printed materials

Box 3 Folder 39

"House Folds Up Like Accordion For Shipment: Prefabricated Dwelling for Four Shown by Goodyear; Constructed of Plastics." New York Herald Tribune., undated

Printed materials

Box 4 Folder 1

"The Manufactured House.", undated

Typescript papers, with annotations

Box 4 Folder 2

Notes on Housing and the Prefabricated House., undated

Holograph papers

Box 4 Folder 3

Original File Folder, Prefab House Korresp., undated

Holograph paper

Box 4 Folder 4

The Prefabricated House., 1944 Mar 3, Diazo print

Typescript papers, signed

Includes signed statement by notary public and original envelope.

Box 4 Folder 5

"Walter Sobotka's Prefabricated House." [1 of 2], circa 1963

Printed materials

Bound volume includes articles written by Sobotka for Charette on the Prefabricated House, January-July 1947.

Box 4 Folder 6

"Walter Sobotka's Prefabricated House." [2 of 2], 1963 May 6

Typed letter, signed;typescript papers;diazo print;printed materials

Bound volume includes drawings and articles written by Sobotka for Charette on the Prefabricated House, January-July 1947; also includes correspondence with publisher of Charette and a quotation from Alberti.

Subseries D: Principles of Design

Materials are arranged in alphabetical order by title.

Box 4 Folder 7

Changing Relations of Man to Nature and Their Reflection on Residential Architecture (Three phases in the fight of the artists against Classicism). [1 of 2], 1971 Apr 9 and undated

Typescript carbon;typescript papers;typescript carbon;typescript carbon, signed

Part V. of Principles of Design;includes letter to publisher.

Box 4 Folder 8

Changing Relations of Man to Nature and Their Reflection on Residential Architecture (Three phases in the fight of the artists against Classicism). [2 of 2], undated

Typescript carbon;typed letter, signed

Part V. of Principles of Design; includes letter from publisher returning manuscript.

Box 4 Folder 9

Correspondence with Publishers. [1 of 2], 1954 Nov 08-1965 Mar 06

Typescript carbon, with annotations;Typescript carbon;typed letter, signed;autograph letter, signed

Includes resume, biography and list of publications.

Box 4 Folder 10

Correspondence with Publishers. [2 of 2], 1954 Mar 29-1965 Sep 29

Typescript carbon, with annotations;Typescript carbon;typed letter, signed;autograph letter, signed

Box 4 Folder 11

Original Envelope for Publisher Correspondence., undated

Box 4 Folder 12

"The Principles of Design.", undated

Typescript papers

Contains part of the text in the three bound volumes.

Subseries E: Writings

Materials are arranged in chronological order, followed by undated papers arranged in alphabetical order by title.

Box 3 Folder 28

Sobotka, Georg Dr. "Sechs Exlibris von Walther Sobotka (Wien.)", 1911 and undated

Printed materiautograph letter, signed

Sonderabdruck aus dem IX. Jahrbuch der Österreichischen Exlibris-Gesellschaft with insert stapled in; includes two loose drawings by Walter Sobotka for bookplates and the article "Sechs Neue Blätter von Walther Sobotka" which someone had inserted into the pages.

Box 3 Folder 29

"Vom Einrichten, vom Publikum und Architekten.", 1928 Feb 13

Typescript carbon

Box 3 Folder 30

"On Redecoration of Obsolete Theatre Auditoriums.", 1944 Jun 13

Typescript carbon

Box 3 Folder 31

"Better Taste and Decent Merchandise -- a Worthy Cause for a Promotion., 1945 Apr 28

Typescript carbon, with annotations

April 28, 1945, mailed to Mrs. Esther Kelly for Mr. W. Kaufmann.

Box 3 Folder 32

Monographs., 1952 Mar 3

Typescript papers

Proposals for Research Bureau for Retail Training.

Box 3 Folder 28

"Sechs Neue Blätter von Walther Sobotka.", undated

Printed materials

Originally found inserted into "Sechs Exlibris von Walther Sobotka (Wien.)"

Box 3 Folder 33

A Stripfilm on Classical Tradition in three parts., undated

Typescript papers, with annotations

Two copies.

Series 3: Personal Papers

Subseries A: Art

Materials are arranged in chronological order, followed by undated items arranged in alphabetical order by title.

Box 1 Folder 23

Portrait bust, drawing., [1897], Watercolor, graphite and conté crayon on paper.

Box 1 Folder 24

Interior, sketch., 1899, Watercolor, ink, metallic paint and conté crayon on paper.

Box 1 Folder 25

Travel sketch., 1899, Watercolor, graphite and conté crayon on paper.

Box 1 Folder 25

Travel sketch., undated, Watercolor and ink on paper.

Dr 179o

Portraits, drawings. [1 of 2], 1907 Jan 17 and undated, 9 items; Graphite on tracing paper.

Dr 179o

Portraits, drawings. [2 of 2], 1909 and undated, 7 items; Graphite on tracing paper.

Dr 179o

Exhibition Poster., 1908 May 26-1908 Jun 06, Ink and watercolor on paper.

Box 1 Folder 26

Sketch of a woman., 1924 Nov 12, Sepia diazo print on paper.

Box 1 Folder 27

Sketch of a plant., 1931 Jan 29, Conté crayon and graphite on paper.

Box 1 Folder 28

Ruth Sobotka. Costume Designs for Twelfth Night., 1943 Oct, Watercolor and ink on paper, mounted.

Box 1 Folder 29

An Old Woman, portrait., undated, Ink, conté crayon and graphite on paper.

Dr 179o

Canal., undated, Black and white photographic print.

Roll A55.06

Maypole Celebration., undated, Graphite and colored pencil on tracing paper.

Dr 179o

Town Hall, Oudenarde., undated, Ink and watercolor on paper, mounted.

Dr 179o

A Man sketch., undated, Ink on paper, mounted.

Subseries B: General Papers

Materials are arranged in alphabetical order by title.

Dr 179o

Internationales Fechtturnier Poster, Walter Sobotka, Silver Medalist., 1911 May 19-1911 May 23, Printed paper.

Box 4 Folder 29

Correspondence, [Dagmar ?] to Sobotka., 1966 Aug 28-1967 Feb 20

Autograph letter, signed.

Box 4 Folder 28

Correspondence, Carmela Haerdtl to Sobotka., 1967 Jan 25-1967 Mar 01

Typed letter, signed.

Box 4 Folder 30

Correspondence, Sobotka to Carmela Haerdtl., 1967 Jan 31

Autograph letter, signed

Subseries C: Student Work

Materials are arranged in alphabetical order by title.

Dr 179o

Presentation drawings, various., 1909-1910 and undated

4 items : Watercolor, ink and graphite on paper and ink on paper.

Dr 179o

Presentation drawing, Town Hall for a Small City., undated

1 item : Ink and watercolor on paper, mounted.

Series 4: Additional Donation

Dr 179o

"Dining Rooms" interior rendering, 1940

[Accession 2017.006]

1 item : pencil, color pencil and collage on trace paper.