Archives Directory for the History of Collecting in America

Hole, Willits J. print view role Collector Patron dates 1858-1936 city La Habra state CA other cities Louisville, KY; sex M historical notes Willits J. Hole, a successful land developer and the founder of the city of La Habra, CA, was not only an astute businessman but also a notable art collector. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Hole's journey to prominence began when he relocated to Southern California in 1893 for the health of his wife, Mary. Establishing himself as a key figure in the La Habra Valley, Hole amassed vast land holdings, eventually becoming known as the “father of La Habra Valley.” His real estate ventures extended to Riverside, where he owned the expansive Rancho La Sierra. In addition to his contributions to the development of Southern California, Willits J. Hole gained recognition as an art enthusiast. His collection included works attributed to Old Masters such as Rembrandt, Raphael, and Titian. However, scholars and art historians, including E. Maurice Bloch, founding director of UCLA's Grunwald Center for the Graphic Arts, noted that many of the paintings were likely created by followers in the schools of the Old Masters. Despite the uneven quality of the collection, Hole's bequest of his art collection to UCLA in 1939 showcased his commitment to preserving and sharing cultural treasures. Hole's daughter, Agnes Rindge, continued to manage the family's art collection after his death. Notably, in 1995, the collection, which had been bequeathed to UCLA, was transferred to the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles. One standout piece in the collection was the painting "Virgin and Child With Saint Anne," attributed to the workshop of Leonardo da Vinci. The painting had resided in Los Angeles for about 80 years in relative obscurity. decades of activity 1900-1910 1910-1920 1930-1940 updated 02/14/2025 10:12:28 bibliographic search Search Frick Art Reference Library Catalog Search Photoarchive Search Worldcat Search Wikidata Entry Archives/Repository Collection Title Collection Details The Getty Research Institute Research Libraries, Archives and Special Collections Julius S. Held papers, Series VIII.A see details... Philadelphia Museum of Art Archives Arensberg Archives, Willitts J. Hole Collection, 1938, 1950, 1953, undated see details... «  back