Lenggenhager, Werner

Werner Lenggenhager was known for his efforts to create a comprehensive photographic record of Seattle's architecture and monuments during the 1950s-1970s. Originally from St. Gall, Switzerland, Lenggenhager moved to Seattle in 1939. Some of his photographs of Swiss scenes were exhibited at the Seattle Art Museum in 1949, after which he began photographing local Seattle architecture and landmarks. By 1957, he had donated over five thousand photographs of local historical subject matter to the Seattle Public Library and the Museum of History and Industry. Lenggenhager authored Historical Markers and Monuments of the State of Washington, an index in ten volumes that was published between 1967 and 1970. He also collaborated with author Lucille McDonald on The Look of Old Time Washington (1971) and Where the Washingtonians Lived: Interesting Early Homes and the People Who Built and Lived in Them (1969).

From the description of Werner Lenggenhager photographs, ca. 1950-1966 [graphic]. ca. 1950-1966. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 60408016

Werner Lenggenhager was known for his efforts to create a comprehensive photographic record of Seattle's architecture and monuments during the 1950s-1970s. Originally from St. Gall, Switzerland, Lenggenhager moved to Queensland, Australia, where he bought his first camera. He came to San Francisco, CA in 1924 and obtained American citizenship by 1931. Later, in 1939, he moved to Seattle, WA. Lenggenhager worked at the Boeing Aircraft Company and continued to develop an interest in photography. During a trip home to Switzerland, he became aware of the value of the architecture he had taken for granted as a youth and began photographing historic buildings. Upon his return to Seattle, some of his photographs of Swiss scenes were exhibited at the Seattle Art Museum in June 1949. With encouragement from the staff at the Seattle Public Library, Lenggenhager soon turned his attention to photographing local Seattle architecture and landmarks. About 1953 Lenggenhager asked a reference librarian for some activity he might engage in which could benefit the library. He states that he asked the librarian about this because he felt frustration and just plain boredom. He states that the librarian acted as if his request had been expected because she presented him with a short list of addresses of some lesser known historical markers. He found and photographed those markers and kept going until he covered the whole State. He sent a copy of chapter 1 to the Washington State Library (WSL) as a trial balloon and it was approved. WSL promised to make several complimentary copies to be distributed to libraries. Other organizations followed suit and agreed to print chapters free of charge for distribution to libraries all over the State. Lenggenhager authored Historical Markers and Monuments of the State of Washington and an index for the ten volumes that was published between 1967 and 1970. He photographed monuments and features all around the state, including covered bridges. By 1957, he had already donated over five thousand photographs of local historical subject matter to the Seattle Public Library and the Museum of History and Industry. Lenggenhager then began documenting local monuments and public art for the Seattle Public Library's reference department.

From the description of Washington State Library's collection of Werner Lenggenhager's manuscript of historical markers and monuments of the State of Washington and photographs, circa 1949-1970. (Washington State Library, Office of Secretary of State). WorldCat record id: 297183831

Werner Lenggenhager was known for his efforts to create a comprehensive photographic record of Seattle’s architecture and monuments during the 1950s-1970s. Originally from St. Gall, Switzerland, Lenggenhager moved to Queensland, Australia, where he bought his first camera. He came to San Francisco in 1924 and obtained American citizenship by 1931. Later, in 1939, he moved to Seattle. Lenggenhager worked at the Boeing Aircraft Company and continued to develop an interest in photography. During a trip home to Switzerland, he became aware of the value of the architecture he had taken for granted as a youth and began photographing historic buildings. Upon his return to Seattle, some of his photographs of Swiss scenes were exhibited at the Seattle Art Museum from June 8th to September 14th, 1949. The Seattle Public Library purchased forty of his prints to add to its Swiss collection.

With encouragement from the staff at the Seattle Public Library, Lenggenhager soon turned his attention to photographing local Seattle architecture and landmarks. In 1952, his photographs were featured in the “Retrospective Review of Seattle Architecture” exhibit at the Henry Art Gallery. This led to the inclusion of some of his photographs in Seattle architect Victor Steinbrueck’s Seattle Architecture, 1850-1953, published in 1953. Lenggenhager then began documenting local monuments and public art for the Seattle Public Library’s reference department. He later photographed monuments and features all around the state, including covered bridges. By 1957, he had already donated over five thousand photographs of local historical subject matter to the Seattle Public Library and the Museum of History and Industry.

Lenggenhager authored Historical Markers and Monuments of the State of Washington, an index in ten volumes that was published between 1967 and 1970. In the 1960s and 1970s, he served as photographer in collaboration with author Lucille McDonald on The Look of Old Time Washington (1971) and Where the Washingtonians Lived: Interesting Early Homes and the People Who Built and Lived in Them (1969).

From the guide to the Werner Lenggenhager Photographs, ca. 1950-1966, (University of Washington Libraries Special Collections)