1916 Born in Sarasota, Florida.

1934-38 Begins art education in high school, pursuing his love of the visual arts through painting. His outstanding work leads to four art scholarships at the Ringling School of Art and New York University. The intrigue of the camera soon catches his eye, bringing him to Rochester Institute of Technology for a three-year photography program.

1941 Graduates from Rochester Institute of Technology specializing in photography.

1942 Enlisted into the Army Signal Corps during World War II, where he produces training films in the Army’s Astoria, Long Island, studios and at Camp Lee in Virginia.

1943-63 Moves to sunny California, where he joins photographer Paul Hesse at his prominent studio on Sunset Boulevard. During his twenty-year tenure with Hesse, he heads the portrait, fashion and theatrical department—becoming known for his personal approach in portrait studies of top film stars and powerful people including kings, queens, U.S. presidents, corporate executives, socialites, etc.

1963-90’s After Paul Hesse retires and sells his studio, Seawell converts his music room into a studio and continues doing portraiture work of major celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor, Joan Collins, Ava Gardner, Ronald and Nancy Reagan, Diana Ross, Carol Channing, Johnny Mathis, Liberace, Sophia Loren, Zsa Zsa Gabor, etc. Throughout the years, he develops lasting relationships with his subjects, who often come back for subsequent sittings.

2007 Wallace Seawell passes away in Los Angeles.