Stage Set Design collection, circa 1930-1960

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Summary

Title:
Stage Set Design collection
Dates:
circa 1930-1960
Abstract:
Stage and set designs, primarily for opera and other musical theater productions, created by an unknown designer in England circa 1930 to 1960.
Extent:
2 Linear Feet [6 flat boxes]
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[identification of item], Stage Set Design collection (M1670). Dept. of Special Collections and University Archives, Stanford Libraries, Stanford, Calif

Background

Scope and content:

The collection contains hundreds of stage set designs, primarily for opera and other musical theater productions. Although the designer is unknown, the designs appear to have been made between the 1930s and 1960s in England. Most designs have notes from the creator about what production and scenes the set design could be used for. Some descriptions are more generic and do not specify a production. Illustrations in Series 6 were acquired at the same time as the set designs, but it is unclear they were done by the same individual as the rest of the designs.

Acquisition information:
This collection was purchased by Stanford University, Special Collections in 1977.
Custodial history:

The collection was acquired by Stanford Libraries Department of Special Collections in 1977, shortly after the department took responsibility for collecting theater materials following the closure of Stanford's theater library. In part because of this transition, not much is known about the origins of the collection besides the date it was acquired and that the collection originated in England. Despite the designs having plenty of information about the scenes they depict, none of the pieces are signed and only a few are dated--making the creator a mystery.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged into six series. The first four series include set designs for specific productions with each series corresponding to a type of production (1. Opera and Operettas; 2. Ballet; 3. Musicals; 4. Plays). Series 5 includes set designs for non-specific productions grouped by theme. Series 6 includes other theater-related drawings and illustrations.

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

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Emma Frothingham
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2023-07-10 14:34:05 -0700 .

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], Stage Set Design collection (M1670). 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
Website