Walk of Stars Dedication for William Charles Tanner

William Charles Tanner is as important to Palm Springs architecture as the noted modernists: E. Stewart Williams, Donald Wexler, Albert Frey, Hugh M. Kaptur and William Cody. Tanner gave Palm Springs its first architectural presence as a respected architect and artist. Before Palm Springs was incorporated in 1938 he established the Spanish Colonial Revival style of the city with The Desert Inn, The Thomas O'Donnell Residence, Invernada, the George Roberson Residence (Le Vallauris) as well as numerous private residences both in Palm Springs and Los Angeles. 

Tanner's design work is underscored by Nellie Coffman (Mother Coffman) selecting him to design The Desert Inn. Mrs. Coffman had many architects to choose from and saw the value in Tanner's artistry. The design of The Desert Inn put Palm Springs on the map as a resort destination in the 1920's. His Palm Springs designs are iconic and are an "exceptional expression of modern thinking" as was written in a Palm Springs Life article in 2013.

As a plein air artist, Tanner was respected and included with peers; Paul Grimm, Gordon Coutts and Paul Dougherty's noted talent to capture the desert landscape in "open air" settings. Tanner had unique talent as a portrait artist as well. He captured Palm Springs pioneer Harriet Cody as well as other society ladies of the 1920s and 1930s in portraits with remarkable clarity and likeness. 

Free, no ticket required.

Things to Know
This event is for all ages.
This event is 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Street parking available.
Handicap parking is available. This event is wheelchair accessible.
The organizer of this event is Palm Springs Preservation Foundation..

Event Check-in Location 
Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center, 300 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
View Map 

Photo Credits: Tanner family photo, Ron & Barbara Marshall collection, Palm Springs Historical Society, Gary Johns, Lance Gerber Photography, Gary Johns