Collection Guide
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Kevin L. Seligman CollectionDSC.Seligman
DSC.Seligman
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Table of contents
Description
The Kevin L. Seligman Collection comprises 252.92 linear feet (607 document boxes) of material arranged into seven series
that all relate to the craft and technology of pattern drafting, tailoring, dressmaking, related crafts, and the commercial
paper pattern industry from the late 19th century to the mid 20th century. The collection is a significant source for materials
related to 19th and 20th fashion and the influential designers and dressmakers of the time. These materials include individual
patterns, journals, fabric and needlework samples, templates, drafting and tailoring equipment, and realia relating to the
fashion and pattern industry of the time. The major designers and companies included in the collection are Marian Martin,
Jim Foster Clothes, Saks and Co. Furs, Advance, Butterick, McCall's, Simplicity, Sears/ Roebuck and Co., Lebotys, and New
York Patterns. The journals include names such as Vogue, Tailor and Cutter, Der Bazaar, and Lady's Companion.
Background
Kevin L. Seligman was a costume designer, professor, and author. He was born and raised in Los Angeles, California and was
heavily influenced by his father and grandfather who were both manufacturers of women's sportswear in Los Angeles. From 1988
to 1991, Mr. Seligman served as Commissioner of the Costume Design and Technology Commision at The Association for Performing
Arts and Entertainment Professionals (USITT). In 1996, he wrote Cutting for All!, a guide book for pattern making. He taught
costume design and technology at The School of Theatre and Dance, Northern Illinois University for 32 years. Upon his retirement
from the school in 1998, he was awarded Professor Emeritus and donated his Library and Archive to The Doris Stein Research
Center for Costume and Textiles located at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). Kevin Seligman passed away in 2015
in London, United Kingdom.
Extent
607 boxes
252.92 linear feet
Restrictions
Contact the Balch Research Library at 323-857-6535 or library@lacma.org for information on publishing or reproducing materials
included in these records. For materials not created by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, permission will be granted by
the Museum as the owner of the physical materials, and does not imply permission for use from the copyright holder. It is
the responsibility of the researcher to obtain all necessary permissions from the copyright holder.
Availability
Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment only through the Balch Research Library, Los Angeles County Museum
of Art. Telephone 323-857-6118 or email library@lacma.org, or by using the Make an Appointment Link at https://www.lacma.org/learn/balch-research-library.
Some institutional records may be unavailable in order to protect the privacy and safety of museum staff, visitors, and collections,
and where prohibited by law.