Max Tatch Collection, 1953-1963
Finding aid created by Los Angeles Public Library staff using RecordEXPRESS
Los Angeles Public Library
2022
630 W. 5th Street
Los Angeles, California 90071
(213) 228-7355
rarebook@lapl.org
http://www.lapl.org/
Title: Max Tatch Collection, 1953-1963
Dates: 1953-1963
Collection Number: GPC Box 161-174
Creator/Collector:
Tatch, Max.
Extent: 14 Hollinger boxes, 7 linear ft.
Repository:
Los Angeles Public Library
Los Angeles, California 90071
Abstract: The Max Tatch Collection contains photographs, negatives, print materials,
correspondence, and ephemera that pertain to Max Tatch’s (1898-1963) professional work as a freelance photographer. He captured
mid nineteenth century landscape and
architecture in Los Angeles and the surrounding southern California area. The
collection’s photographs and documents correspond to photos captured for home and landscaping advertising companies in the
1950s and 1960s. Photographs within the collection also include personal trips to Piercy, Garberville, Willits, California
and photographs of Max Tatch. Transparencies and negatives of Tatch’s numerous trips to Europe are also included.
Language of Material: English
This collection is stored on-site at the Central Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library.
It is open for research by appointment. Some photograph collections may be browsed, digitally, via the Los Angeles Public
Library website at: https://tessa.lapl.org/
[Identification of item]. Max Tatch Collection, 1953-1963. Collection Number: GPC Box 161-174. Los Angeles Public Library
Gift of Ronald and Donna Avery, February 21, 1996.
Biography/Administrative History
Max Tatch (1898-1963) was a mid–twentieth century landscape and architectural photographer. Though he was born in Edinburgh,
he resided in Hollywood, California for the majority of his life. Tatch worked as a free-lance black and white photographer
in the
surrounding Los Angeles area until his death in 1963. Tatch traveled numerous time to
Europe, specifically Spain, Portugal and other countries to pursue photography. Earlier in his life, Tatch introduced his
nephew Sid Avery, to photography. Avery later became a successful photographer and director known for capturing Hollywood
celebrities in the 1950s and 1960s.
Max Tatch was a son of eastern European Jewish parents. He died in Culver City at the
age of 64 and is buried at Hillside Memorial Park. Tatch is survived by his great nephew Ronald Avery.
Scope and Content of Collection
The Max Tatch collection contains 7 linear feet of photographs, negatives, print materials, correspondence, and ephemera that
pertain to his professional work. These professional materials document his work as a freelance photographer with various
home
and landscaping advertising companies around southern California. He captured the interiors and exteriors of houses in San
Fernando Valley, Los Angeles County, Ventura County, and Palm Springs. This collection also contains images overlooking the
Pacific Ocean near Malibu, Marina Del Rey, Redondo Beach, and Rancho Palos Verdes. Though few, some photographs within the
collection also include photographs of personal trips
taken to Piercy, Garberville, and Willits, California. Additionally, the collection contains professionally taken photographs
of Max Tatch.
Commercial photography--California--Los Angeles.
Landscape photography--California--Los Angeles Region.
Photography--California--Los Angeles.
Tatch, Max.
Los Angeles (Calif.)