Thornton Abell (1906-1984): Mid-century modern

Thornton Abell graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in architecture, and worked for the well-known firm Marsh, Smith & Powell throughout the 1930s. During the 1940s and 1950s, Abell taught at the Chouinard Art Institute and at the University of Southern California’s School of Architecture. In 1948 Abell was asked by John Entenza to design Case Study House #7 for the magazine Arts and Architecture. He was not as well known as some of his peers, however his residential work in the mid-century modern style is a superb blend of indoor-outdoor living, glass walls, and natural accents.

Thornton Abell, architect

Thornton M. Abell papers, Architecture and Design Collection. Art, Design & Architecture Museum; University of California, Santa Barbara.

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