John B. Smeraldi
John B. Smeraldi (d. May 14, 1947) was an Italian-born American muralist, and furniture and interior designer. He painted the ceilings of many buildings, including the ballroom inside the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, California.
John B. Smeraldi | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| Died | May 14, 1947 Bayside, New York, U.S. |
| Occupation | Muralist, furniture designer, interior designer |
| Spouse(s) | Maria Smeraldi |
| Children | 2 sons, 3 daughters |
Life
Smeraldi was born in Palermo, Sicily, Italy. He emigrated to the United States in 1889.[1][2]
Smeraldi began his career as a designer for Marcotte & Co..[1][2] In 1921, he moved to Los Angeles to paint the ceiling of the ballroom inside the Biltmore Hotel.[3] He also painted the ceiling inside the Pasadena Convention Center,[4] and he worked on the Jonathan Club.[1] Beyond California, his work extended to the New York Biltmore Hotel, the Atlanta Biltmore Hotel, The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida, and Château Frontenac in Quebec City, Canada.[2]
Smeraldi resided in Los Angeles. With his wife Maria, he had two sons and three daughters. He died on May 14, 1947 in Bayside, New York.[1][2]
References
- "John Smeraldi, Artist, Dies". The Los Angeles Times. May 15, 1947. p. 8. Retrieved January 12, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
- "John B. Smeraldi Interior Decorator". The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. May 15, 1947. p. 15. Retrieved January 12, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Record Speed in Building Biltmore. Famous Los Angeles Hotel Is Completed Within Sixteen Months. Eight Weeks Gain On Schedule Fixed. Total Investment to Be Made in Property Is Listed at $6,000,000". Long Beach Press. October 4, 1923. p. 20. Retrieved January 12, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
- Holliday, Peter J. (2016). American Arcadia: California and the Classical Tradition. New York: Oxford University Press. p. 70. ISBN 9780190256517. OCLC 1004420552.