Hawkins, J. Allen, 1915-

J. Allen Hawkins (1915-1986) was born and raised in Pasadena, California and developed an interest in photography at an early age. He bought his first camera at the age of 10, and opened his first studio, in his parents' house, at the age of 18. Hawkins' work as a photographer is intimately tied to the city of Pasadena. He photographed nearly every Tournament of Roses Parade and Rose Bowl football game from 1935 to 1975. He was the official photographer for the Pasadena Junior Chamber of Commerce, and documented the growing commercial, residential, social and cultural development of Pasadena during the middle years of the twentieth century. In addition to his career as a commercial photographer, Hawkins also owned and operated Al's Motor Shop at Hudson and Colorado in Pasadena from 1938 to 1945. Al's Motor Shop allowed him to pursue his interest in building racing cars, which he also photographed. In the 1930s and 40s Hawkins worked as a professional musician and played with most of the big band orchestras in Southern California.

From the description of J. Allen Hawkins Studio Collection of Negatives [graphic], 1924-1972. (Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens). WorldCat record id: 228770032

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