
1945–1965
Paul Hassel turned seriously to art late in life, after managing a family business in Chicago. In 1950 he resumed his education at the Institute of Design, studying with Aaron Siskind and Harry Callahan before moving to San Francisco to join the staff of what is now the San Francisco Art Institute. Hugh Edwards acquired 14 of Hassel’s works in 1967, largely images of architecture, sometimes in disrepair. This lonely bed may seem abandoned, but a blanket or piece of clothing thrown on the mattress hints otherwise.