Exhibition

Paul Revere Williams, American Architect, the first museum exhibition of the prolific and acclaimed 20th century designer who was the first documented African American member of the American Institute of Architects and the first to become an AIA Fellow, was presented from October 22, 2010 through January 19, 2011 in the Art Museum of the University of Memphis. A synopsis of the exhibition is offered here with texts and selected images of seven projects and each decade.

The GALLERY features more examples of his work. The TIMELINE places his life and work in a larger context.

Paul Revere Williams, American Architect, emphasized Williams' architecture and shed light on his personal and professional history. Featuring 200 new photographs owned by the Paul Revere Williams Project (University of Memphis), the exhibit consisted of still photographs and slide shows arranged by decade, 1920s through 1960s, depicting interiors and exteriors of buildings. The images are of small and grand houses, business buildings, schools, churches and even the memorial for Al Jolson, the greatest of the black-face vaudville performers. Although not all of the 3000 or more of Williams-designed structures were illustrated, the wide range of styles and the mastery of detail for which he was celebrated are demonstrated with a closer look at seven projects.