Search by Name

Search by Name

Albert Neiman Obituary

Albert Arthur Neiman

Albert Arthur Neiman, aged 78, died on April 28, 2020, in Oakland California. A Bay Area art dealer of fine posters; prints; collectibles; and works of art on paper for over 50 years, Albert specialized in the art of the San Francisco counterculture. He had the foresight to recognize early on that the poster artists of the 60's were making historically significant contributions to the American art scene.
Albert moved with his family from Oakland to Los Angeles when he was 7. He graduated from Hamilton High School in 1959 and returned to San Francisco with his stamp and poster collections in the early 60's where he opened New Reflections, a poster store on Haight at Ashbury. He became involved in activities of social change, including sitting-in for civil rights at the Sheraton-Palace Hotel in 1964. He also put on weekly experimental films at the Straight Theater and became a vital member of a revolution that would eventually lead to the Summer of Love. Albert never abandoned the values of the movement he helped define.
In 1970, Albert became one of the original members of Project One, a unique urban collective located in an old candy factory South of Market. Here he established Image Works, a motion picture lab that supported the independent and student film community. During this time, he helped document the Native American occupation of Alcatraz.
After leaving Project One, Albert created Visual Transformation, which became one of the most varied collections of poster art in the Bay Area. To support his new business, he drove a cab for Veteran's Cab Company, and became a member of the Sign Display Workers Local 510 where he made lifelong friends with his union brothers and sisters.
Albert knew how to make things happen, especially if they involved the creative process. In the 90's he helped initiate a concert series at Maritime Hall under the name of Straight Theater Presents, recreating the ambiance that his friend Chet Helms and the Family Dog, had created 30 years earlier. In later years he set up a weekly film series at Berkeley's Art House, worked with Regent Press to publish an art portfolio of Oracle graphics, and promoted the importance of Coit Tower muralist and WPA artist Bernard Zakheim. Most recently, Albert designed a poster series promoting the Green New Deal. He remained passionate about poster art and was driven to lend his firsthand experience and encyclopedic knowledge of 60's posters to anyone who shared his appreciation for it.
Albert's most notable strength was his warm, outgoing, and generous spirit. Albert was a big man with a big voice and big presence, who was never shy to give you his opinion. He was devoted to his family and to his many friends. He was a true egalitarian, saw great value in people, and did his best to have a positive impact on those marginalized by our society. Albert was preceded in death by his father (Robert Neiman), and is survived by his mother Berte Neiman, and his sister Arlene Brownell (Tom Bache-Wiig). Albert will be missed by many.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jun. 3 to Jun. 7, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Albert Neiman

Not sure what to say?





Ken Williams

May 28, 2024

My only friend in San Francisco. Visited him twice. Was planning a third.

Ken Williams

January 10, 2023

I met Albert in 1978-79 when I hitchhiked to San Francisco from Canada. I applied for a job with him when he owned Image Works. I would never had got to see the creative hangouts in the city or fabulous eateries. Especially the best mexican burritos I ever tasted. Nice to have met you in this life time. Your artist friend from Canada.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Somer Galal

Planted Trees

john ryan

August 29, 2020

Albert was a big man with a big voice and big presence, who was never shy to give you his opinion. This much is so, whoever wrote those words knew Albert. Yet he was so much more. He lived through the many eras that made up the collective biography of the Bay Area. He not only lived it at the time, but curated a remarkable collection of poster are that documented those beautiful, turbulent years of change and growth in San Francisco. He witnessed the world as it shifted from print to analog to digital communication. Yet there in his garaged he stored a history of events and happenings that told the story of those years of change. He continued to be a stellar human right into the starry world. Well Albert my friend, we will meet again, I am sure of it. Happy trails

Zee Lewis

June 11, 2020

Albert had a wonderful gentle spirit. I met him at EBCRS where he would "pop in" from time to time.
Albert will be missed. Rest in Power, Albert.

Lady SunRise

June 11, 2020

GODSPEED, MY DEAR FRIEND ❣WE HAD A BLASTSee you next LIFETIME ❣ LOVE YOU SUPREME ☮

Brian T.C. Burke

June 7, 2020

It was always a pleasure working with Albert. Respect. RIP.

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results

Make a Donation
in Albert Neiman's name

Memorial Events
for Albert Neiman

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Albert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Albert Neiman's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more