The J. Allen Hawkins Studio Collection of Negatives consists of 3027 negatives and 3607 prints (both vintage prints and copy prints), 1924-1972, that depict commercial sites, residences, and other subjects in and around Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley in Southern California. The images provide a look at the commercial, residential, social, and cultural development of Pasadena and surrounding areas during the middle years of the twentieth century. The collection also provides, through its breadth and depth of subject matter, an example of the career activities of a commercial photographer in Southern California in the early years of the twentieth century. Some of the early photographs may be attributable to Harold A. Parker.

J. Allen Hawkins (1915-1986) was born and raised in Pasadena, California. He developed an interest in photography at an early age, performing odd jobs for local photographers Frederick W. Martin, E. Willard Spur, and Harold A. Parker. Hawkins bought his first camera at the age of 10, and opened his first studio, in his parents' house, at the age of 18.

50 boxes, 23.66 linear feet

All requests for permission to publish photographs must be submitted in writing to the Curator of Photographs. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Huntington as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.