Lee Simonson theater collection, 1920s-1960s

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Summary

Creators:
Stark, Samuel and Simonson, Lee, 1888-1967
Abstract:
Designs for stage settings and costumes drawn by Lee Simonson primarily for New York theater productions during the 1920s through the 1950s. Also included are materials from an exhibit on Simonson at Stanford Libraries.
Extent:
28 Linear Feet (1 manuscript box, 9 flat-boxes, 51 map-folders)
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

[identification of item], Lee Simonson theater collection (M2972). Dept. of Special Collections and University Archives, Stanford Libraries, Stanford, Calif.

Background

Scope and content:

The Lee Simonson theater collection consists of designs for stage settings and costumes drawn by Lee Simonson. Most of the designs are for productions in New York City around Broadway, but there are also designs for a production of Romeo and Juliet put on at Stanford University by Simonson. Materials in the collection include a variety of sketches at different points in the design process, blueprints for stage sets, photographs of finished productions, and posters drawn by Simonson. Series 3 contains materials that were pulled from the collection for an exhibit on Simonson at Stanford Libraries in 1986.

Biographical / historical:

Lee Simonson (1888-1967) was an American stage setting designer based out of New York. Simonson graduated from Harvard in 1909 and moved to Paris, France, with thoughts of becoming a mural painter. After being immersed in the European theater scene, he returned to New York in 1912 and began his career as the set designer for the Washington Square Players, which became the Theatre Guild in 1919. He remained at the Theatre Guild until 1940. Simonson's 1932 book 'The Stage Is Set' was, at the time, considered to be the authoritative book on stage design. Among his design credits, Simonson designed the costumes and sets for the Metropolitan Opera's 1948 'Ring' Cycle.

Acquisition information:
This collection was given by Simonson to Stanford University, Special Collections.
Physical location:
Special Collections and University Archives materials are stored offsite and must be paged 36 hours in advance.
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], Lee Simonson theater collection (M2972). Dept. of Special Collections and University Archives, Stanford 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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