Wylie Wong collection of May's Studio photographs and San Francisco Chinatown ephemera, circa 1920-2006

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Summary

Creators:
Lee, Isabelle May, Wong, Wylie, and Lee, Leo Chan
Abstract:
Photographs and negatives from May's Studio; also posters, artwork, and ephemera relating to theater, life, and culture in San Francisco's Chinatown, circa early-mid 20th century.
Extent:
43 Linear Feet (10 manuscript boxes; 13 flat boxes; 9 oversize flat boxes; 27 map folders)
Language:
English and Materials in the collection are mainly in English and Chinese.
Preferred citation:

[identification of item], Wylie Wong collection of May's Studio photographs and San Francisco Chinatown ephemera (M1999). Dept. of Special Collections and University Archives, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, Calif.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection contains photographs produced by May's Studio, including numerous portraits of actors and actresses who performed in San Francisco’s Chinatown during the 1920s-1930s. Included in the collection are a set of May's Studio glass-plate negatives and a set of painted panels used as backdrops in the studio. The collection also contains posters, artwork, and ephemera relating to theater, life, and culture in Chinatown during the early-mid 20th century.

Biographical / historical:

May's Studio was operated by Isabelle May Chan and Leo Chan in San Francisco’s Chinatown from 1923 to 1976. Leo Chan emigrated from China sometime after 1911. Isabelle was born in San Francisco. The Studio, which opened in Waverly Place, focused on producing publicity photographs for actors and actresses who performed in Chinatown theaters. Many of their photographs were of productions staged at the Great China Theater, which opened in 1925, and was later renamed the Great Star Theater. The Studio was also known for producing wedding portraits as well as photographing other aspects of life in Chinatown, including portraits of businesses, street life, parades, and other events. In 1931 the Studio moved to 770 Sacramento Street for the remainder of its operation. Wylie Wong is an Asian art and antiquities dealer based in San Francisco.

Acquisition information:
This collection was given by Wylie Wong to Stanford University, Special Collections in December 2013.
Processing information:

The collection was processed by Joseph Geller.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged into five series:

Series 1. Photographs

Series 2. Glass-Plate Negatives

Series 3. Backdrop Panels & Sign

Series 4. Artwork and Ephemera

Series 5. Publications

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open for research. Note that material must be requested at least 36 hours in advance of intended use.

Terms of access:

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.

Preferred citation:

[identification of item], Wylie Wong collection of May's Studio photographs and San Francisco Chinatown ephemera (M1999). Dept. of Special Collections and University Archives, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, Calif.

Location of this collection:
Department of Special Collections, Green Library
557 Escondido Mall
Stanford, CA 94305-6004, US
Contact:
(650) 725-1022
specialcollections@stanford.edu
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