Belford Shoumate Architectural Collection

Collection

Identifier: BS.00

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Architectural drawings by Belford Shoumate encompass his work primarily in Palm Beach and South Florida. Many projects are conceptual or renovations and additions to existing structures. Artwork by Shoumate includes pastel renderings of numerous projects, many of which are not identified. Photographic materials include documentation of Shoumate’s work, of note are the Wagner house in West Palm Beach and the MacNichol Manor apartments in Delray Beach....

Dates

Majority of material found in 1937-1985

Creator

Shoumate, Belford (1903-1991) (Architect, Person)

Conditions Governing Use

The Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach makes its archival collections available for non-commercial, educational, and personal use unless restricted by copyright and/or donor restrictions. The materials within the collections held by the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach Archives are intended for research, educational, or informational purposes only. Materials in these collections may be under copyright protection, and copyright restrictions... may apply. Written permission must be obtained from the copyright holder and the Preservation Foundation Archives to copy, publish, or otherwise reproduce.

Biographical / Historical

Belford Shoumate (1903-1991) didn’t want to be confined to any one particular architectural style. He is recognized for his artistry and the ability to bring his illustrative pastels to life. After studying architecture at the University of Pennsylvania he worked for Joseph Urban in New York City. Urban greatly influenced his work, especially in his interpretation of the Art Moderne style and use of color to define space. After arriving in Palm Beach... in 1936, he went on to design over 500 projects in South Florida including residences, renovations and additions, and conceptual plans. Shoumate also sought to protect the existing architectural fabric of Palm Beach—he served on the Landmarks Preservation Commission and was Chairman of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Preservation of Historic Buildings for ten years (1954-1964).

Extent

153 Linear Feet (Includes flat files, boxes, binders)

Language of Materials

English

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Additional Description

Arrangement

The collection is arranged as 3 series: • Series 1: Architectural Drawings 1935-1985 (148 linear feet) • Series 2: Artwork, pastels (2 linear feet) • Series 3: Photographic Materials 1937-1953 (1 linear foot)