Decorating + Renovation

Ansel Adams

Recalling the renowned photographer on the big sur coast

November 30, 2002

Photography by Mary E. Nichols
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From 1965 until his death in 1984, photographer Ansel Adams and his wife, Virginia, lived on the Big Sur coast.
Photography by Mary E. Nichols
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A Chinese Confucian temple drum is displayed above the living room fireplace. On the mantel are Native American baskets; below are some of Virginia Adams's many books. Designed by architect Eldridge T. Spencer with input from Adams, the house took four years to build.

Photography by Mary E. Nichols
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Surrounded by lush plantings, the house was the setting for frequent gatherings of family, friends and students of the Ansel Adams Workshops.
Photography by Mary E. Nichols
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Adams's photographs line the gallery. To enhance their tones, he had the walls painted a 20 percent color-saturated gray. His passion for photography was fueled early, when, on a visit to Yosemite at age 14, he began shooting pictures with a camera given to him by his parents.

Photography by Mary E. Nichols
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The dining room. The architect took advantage of the site and gave the rooms striking views of the Pacific.
Photography by Mary E. Nichols
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Elsewhere in the gallery are Monolith, The Face of Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, from 1927, and a 1980 bronze bust of Adams by Betty Brissell.

Photography by Mary E. Nichols
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A Monterey pine stands beside the residence. Adams, an ardent environmentalist, served as a board member of the Sierra Club for 37 years and discussed environmental policy with President Ford.
Photography by Mary E. Nichols
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Adams designed a home darkroom where he processed and printed images and explored technological developments in his art. In the tray is Maroon Bells, near Aspen, Colorado, from a 1951 negative.