The San Francisco Public Library Performing Artists Photograph Collection consists of 1,670 photographic prints from 1890 to 1950 collected by the Music Department of the San Francisco Public Library. This artificial collection of publicity photographs and performing artists’ portraits was originally assembled by San Francisco Public Library’s Music Department head librarian Jessica Fredricks as a collection of autographs. In addition to these, the Music Department incorporated photographs dedicated to and donated by Selby Oppenheimer. Oppenheimer was a local impresario and once the managing director of the Opera House. Many of the photographs are autographed – with dedications to the San Francisco Public Library, Jessica Fredricks, and/or Selby Oppenheimer. Fredricks and Oppenheimer collected the photographs between 1917 and 1950. The artificial collection includes portraits of conductors, opera singers, instrumentalists, dancers, directors and composers.

Jessica Fredricks (1887 – 1979) was head of San Francisco Public Library’s Music Department 1917–1950.

3 boxes (2.75 linear ft.)

All requests for permission to publish from photographs must be submitted in writing to the Photo Curator. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.

The collection is available for use during San Francisco History Center's Photo Desk hours.