Santa Monica Conservancy docents are presenting special Julia Morgan-themed tours at the Annenberg Community Beach House this Sunday, Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Monday, Nov. 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The tours are part of “Julia Morgan 2012,” a statewide festival sponsored by Landmarks California.
Julia Morgan was a pioneering woman in a man’s field, the first female architect to receive a California license, the first woman to graduate from prestigious Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris, and only recently recognized as one of our most creative talents.
During a career lasting nearly 50 years, Morgan built more than 700 buildings and landscapes, ranging from modest bungalows to the Hearst Castle.
She was William Randolph Hearst’s primary architect from 1926 to 1938.
Beginning with her work at Berkeley, commissioned by Phoebe Hearst, Julia worked with three generations of the Hearst family until her retirement in 1951.
The Marion Davies Guest House and pool at the Annenberg Community Beach House are her designs, showcasing her remarkable abilities and the variety of her accomplishments.
The Julia Morgan tours at the Beach House, located at 415 Pacific Coast Highway, are free and no reservations are needed.
Tile-making workshops will be held at the same time, inspired by Julia Morgan’s tile designs. These workshops are free, reservations recommended at http://juliamorgantiles.eventbrite.com.
For more information, including dates of Marion Davies Guest House tours offered year round by the Santa Monica Conservancy docents, visit www.annenbergbeachhouse.com.
