The Palm Springs Preservation Foundation has published a scholarly and lavishly illustrated 84-page, softcover book entitled The Modern Architecture of Hugh M. Kaptur. The book was released in conjuncction with a Palm Springs Art Museum exhibition at the Architecture + Design Center from February 2 – June 17, 2019.

Written by architectural historian (and PSPF board member) Steven Keylon, the book will explore the life and many-faceted career of Hugh Kaptur, the last remaining member of the Palm Springs Modern school of architects. After working as a designer at General Motors in Detroit, Kaptur arrived in Palm Springs in 1956. He worked first with the architectural firm of Wexler & Harrison before launching his own career. The book will showcase the major themes in Kaptur’s work, from early post-and-beam Desert Modern; his bold organic sculptural architecture; his exploration of Brutalism; and his designs using strong geometric forms. Designed by graphic artist Gary Wexler, the book will include drawings from the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Architecture + Design Center archives, as well as never before seen photos and renderings from Kaptur’s personal collection.