HomeMy WebLinkAbout11 - Rex Brandt & Joan Irving Commemorative PlaqueCITY OF
F NEWPORT REACH
City Council Staff Report
October 14, 2014
Agenda Item No. 11
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Tim Hetherton, Library Services Director — (949) 717 -3819,
thetherton@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Tim Netherton
PHONE: (949) 717 -3810
TITLE: Rex Brandt and Joan Irving Commemorative Plaque
ABSTRACT:
At their August 14th, 2014 meeting, the City Arts Commission adopted a Fine Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee
recommendation to direct staff to place a commemorative marker for Blue Sky, the site of the former Rex
Brandt and Joan Irving residence, school, and studio in Corona del Mar. The marker, adjacent to the
Goldenrod Footbridge, will memorialize Brandt and Irving, as well as the significance of the site.
RECOMMENDATION:
The City Arts Commission recommends that City Council:
a) Reclassify the former Rex Brandt and Joan Irving residence, school, and studio known as Blue Sky
from a Structure of Historic Interest (Class 4) to a Point of Historic Interest (Class 5) in the Newport Beach
Historic Resource Inventory; and
b) Approve the placement of a commemorative marker for Blue Sky.
FUNDING REQUIREMENTS:
This project will be funded by contributions from individual donors.
DISCUSSION:
The Brandts are significant figures in both California arts and the cultural heritage of Newport Beach. Rex
Brandt was renowned for his contributions to California Scene Painting in general and his depictions of
Newport Beach and Balboa Bay in particular. His wife, Joan Irving Brandt, was also an acclaimed painter
and is known for her sensitive depictions of women and children.
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In 1940, the Brandts purchased a lot in Corona Del Mar for $250. They ultimately built an estate spanning
four lots which they named Blue Sky. At Blue Sky, Brandt and Irving were able to create elegant,
naturalistic paintings that captured the feel of mid - century California for which they are renowned. The
Brandts established the Summer School of Painting at Blue Sky in 1947 and taught countless students the
art of watercolor painting. The Brandts served on the Newport Beach Public Board of Library Trustees in
the 1940s and 1950s, and helped establish the Newport Harbor Art Museum.
The Blue Sky structure no longer exists, but the site is listed in the Newport Beach Historic Resource
Inventory, which was presented to City Council on June 8, 1992 (see Attachment A). The inventory
categorizes historical properties in five hierarchical "classes" of significance:
• Class 1 - Major Historic Landmark: A building, structure, object, site, or natural feature of major
historical significance. The property exemplifies historic /architectural themes of local and statewide
importance and serves as a significant part of the heritage of Newport Beach.
• Class 2 - Historic Landmark: A building, structure, object, site, or natural feature of historical
significance. The property is representative of historic /architectural themes of local and statewide
importance and serves as a physical link to the historical past of Newport Beach.
• Class 3 - Local Historic Site: A building, structure, object, site, or natural feature of local significance
only. The property is representative of historic /architectural themes of local importance.
• Class 4 - Structure of Historic Interest: A building, structure, object, site, or natural feature that has
been altered to the extent that the historic /architectural integrity has been substantially compromised,
but is still worthy of recognition.
• Class 5 - Point of Historic Interest: A site of a building, structure, or object that no longer exists, but
is associated with historic events or persons, or architecturally significant structures.
In the Historic Resource Inventory, Blue Sky is designated as Class 4, a Structure of Historic Interest. The
City Arts Commission asserts that the site is better classified as a Class 5, since it is the site of a building
that no longer exists, but is associated with historic persons.
Because the structure no longer exists, a marker would serve to inform residents and guests of the site's
historic importance. The marker would commemorate both the former location of Blue Sky and the
contributions that Brandt and Irving made to the artistic and cultural heritage of Newport Beach.
The City Arts Commission proposes that a stone -faced pedestal design with a precast concrete cap be
used as the commemorative marker (see Attachment B). The landscaping surrounding the pedestal will
be enhanced and blended with the adjacent area. A new trash receptacle with a natural stone appearance
will be implemented. The design features a 13" by 19" plaque that memorializes the significance of the
Brandts and the Blue Sky site. The plaque includes iconic representations of Brandt's work, and features
the iconic City Seal as designed by Rex Brandt with an explanation of the elements that comprise it (see
Attachment C).
The City Arts Commission feels that the stone -faced pedestal design is both aesthetically pleasing and
easily accessible. The design and placement of the marker meets the approval of the neighbors who
reside in the homes leading up to the Goldenrod Footbridge.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
This item is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to the general rule that
CEQA applies only to projects that have potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Staff
believes with certainty that there is no possibility that the proposed reclassification of Blue Sky and
installation of a commemorative marker will have a significant effect on the environment, and therefore, the
Council's action on this item is not subject to CEQA (CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3)).
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NOTICING:
The agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at
which the City Council considers the item).
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Attachment A - Historic Resource Inventory Excerpt
Attachment B - Simulation of Plaque Pedestal
Attachment C - Bronze Plaque Text and Design
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City of Newport Beach
Historic Resource ]nventory
Historic /Common Name: BLUE SKY (BRANDT HOUSE)
Area: CORONA DEL MAR
Address: 405 GOLDENROD Accessor Parcel Number:
Resource Type:
BUILDING
Status:
OCCUPIED
Existing Land Use:
RESIDENTIAL
Use Code:
8811
General Plan Designation:
TFR
Ownership:
PRIVATE
Original Location?
YES
Date Moved:
Location of Original Site:
N/A
Owner:
REX BRANDT
Address:
405 GOLDENROD
CORONA DEL MAR, CA 92625
Telephone Number:
(714) 675 -0093
�_SrF- 11F17F7� • n • i - • i '. 169C�7:7[�L`1��.[�]CeZH:7�1�:6�
Historical Period:
SHIPYARD
Historical Significance:
SITE OF PAINTING CLASSES SINCE 1947.
Historic Classification:
CLASS 4
Year Constructed:
1941
Architect:
REX BRANDT
Architectural Style:
CHICKEN COOP
Distinguishing Features: N/S
Associated Structures: ARTIST STUDIO
Condition of Feature: EXCELLENT
Exterior Alterations: N/S
Interior Alterations: N/S
Comments:
Preparer. I. HOWALD
Date: 1106/92
RECORD 40
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c
d c
cif �
m
Simulation
ATTACHMENT B
Commemorative
Marker Pedestal
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The City Seal was
designed by
REX BRANDT
and adopted by the
City Council In 1957.
Ripples of water symbolize
the ocean and bay.
Sailboats glide through the
waters of our recreational
and yachting resort.
Two albacore represent the
city's origin as a fishing
village.
The surrounding circle with
four cardinal compass points
unites the nautical theme.
Op-
\!` 0 v P
ATTACHMENT C
BLUE SKY
Rex
Eel
I
& Joan Brandt's 1
Studio
and
Residence
Blue Sky, once located on the bluff to the right, was the
home and studio of California Scene painters Rex Brandt
(1914.2000) and Joan Irving Brandt (1916- 1995). For
nearly 40 years, Blue Sky was the site of the Summer
School of Painting, where Rex and Joan Instructed
countless students In the art of watercolor painting.
The Brandts and Blue Sky are a significant part of
Newport Beach's artistic heritage. Rex was acclaimed as
an artist, teacher, and writer. He Is considered to be one of
the central figures In California art during the mid -20th
century. Joan Is nationally recognized for her work
depicting local scenes, and her sensitive portraits of
women and children. Both Rex and Joan served on the
Library Board of Trustees during the 19409 and 19509, and
were active In the founding of the Newport Harbor Art
Museum.
It was at Blue Sky where Brandt and Irving were able to
create the elegant, naturalistic paintings that captured the
feel and beauty of mid-century California for which they are
renowned. 2014
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