Hudson at a recent book signing. Image courtesy of Miguel Dominguez
The author will present her new book, Paul R. Williams: Classic Hollywood Style, a compendium of spectacular houses designed by the famed architect, with special focus on the qualities that made them such stunning venues for entertaining. From the 1920s to the 1970s, Williams designed homes for Hollywood notables such as Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Tyrone Power, Barbara Stanwyck, William "Bojangles" Robinson and Lon Chaney, as well as members of Los Angeles high society. Hudson's talk promises to offer great insight: she is Williams' granddaughter.
Williams drew upon American Colonial, Spanish Mediterranean, English Tudor, French Normandy, Art Deco, and California ranch style for his creations. His vision for living and entertaining in Southern California, most noticeably in the city's most glamorous and exclusive enclaves―Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Bel Air and the Hollywood Hills―was matched by his ability to transcend the racial lines of the time period to become the first African-American member of the American Institute of Architects in 1921 and its first fellow in 1957.
