This collection documents the career of Bernard Johnson, a dancer, costume designer, director, choreographer, and teacher who served as the first professor of costume design at UC Irvine from 1991-1997. Materials document Johnson's professional work in theatre, film, and television, as well as his tenure in academia. The collection consists of original costume design artwork, clippings, correspondence, photographs, negatives, ephemera, and other material.

Born on December 12, 1936, Bernard Johnson was raised in Detroit, Michigan with four sisters and one brother. At the age of eleven, Johnson voluntarily attended ballet classes with his younger sister and soon became enthralled with the art of dance. He also credited his fascination with dance to the film Red Shoes, which he viewed as a child.

7.3 linear feet (7 boxes and 1 oversize folder)

Property rights reside with the University of California. Copyrights are retained by the creators of the records and their heirs. For permission to reproduce or to publish, please contact the Head of Special Collections and Archives.

The collection is open for research.