Collection Guide
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Stage Set Design collection
M1670
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Table of contents
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
Department of Special Collections and University Archives
Title: Stage Set Design collection
Identifier/Call Number: M1670
Identifier/Call Number: 9489
Physical Description:
2 Linear Feet
[6 flat boxes]
Date (inclusive): circa 1930-1960
Abstract: Stage and set designs, primarily for opera and other musical theater productions, created by an unknown designer in England
circa 1930 to 1960.
Physical Location: Special Collections and University Archives materials are stored offsite and must be paged 36 hours in advance.
Open for research. Note that material must be requested at least 36 hours in advance of intended use.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
This collection was purchased by Stanford University, Special Collections in 1977.
The collection is arranged into six series. The first four series include set designs for specific productions with each series
corresponding to a type of production (1. Opera and Operettas; 2. Ballet; 3. Musicals; 4. Plays). Series 5 includes set designs
for non-specific productions grouped by theme. Series 6 includes other theater-related drawings and illustrations.
The collection was acquired by Stanford Libraries Department of Special Collections in 1977, shortly after the department
took responsibility for collecting theater materials following the closure of Stanford's theater library. In part because
of this transition, not much is known about the origins of the collection besides the date it was acquired and that the collection
originated in England. Despite the designs having plenty of information about the scenes they depict, none of the pieces are
signed and only a few are dated--making the creator a mystery.
[identification of item], Stage Set Design collection (M1670). Dept. of Special Collections and University Archives, Stanford
Libraries, Stanford, Calif
The collection contains hundreds of stage set designs, primarily for opera and other musical theater productions. Although
the designer is unknown, the designs appear to have been made between the 1930s and 1960s in England. Most designs have notes
from the creator about what production and scenes the set design could be used for. Some descriptions are more generic and
do not specify a production. Illustrations in Series 6 were acquired at the same time as the set designs, but it is unclear
they were done by the same individual as the rest of the designs.
While Special Collections is the owner of the physical and digital items, permission to examine collection materials is not
an authorization to publish. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study. Any transmission
or reproduction beyond that allowed by fair use requires permission from the owners of rights, heir(s) or assigns.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Operas
Musical theater
Theater -- England
stage, set design