Collection Guide
Collection Title:
Collection Number:
Get Items:
Wylie Wong collection of May's Studio photographs and San Francisco Chinatown ephemera
M1999
View entire collection guide
Search this collection
Table of contents
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
Department of Special Collections and University Archives
Title: Wylie Wong collection of May's Studio photographs and San Francisco Chinatown ephemera
creator:
Lee, Isabelle May
source:
Wong, Wylie
creator:
Lee, Leo Chan
Identifier/Call Number: M1999
Physical Description:
43 Linear Feet
(10 manuscript boxes; 13 flat boxes; 9 oversize flat boxes; 27 map folders)
Date (inclusive): circa 1920-2006
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.
Language of Material: Materials in the collection are mainly in English and Chinese.
Open for research. Note that material must be requested at least 36 hours in advance of intended use.
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.
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
This collection was given by Wylie Wong to Stanford University, Special Collections in December 2013.
[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.
The Museum of Performance and Design, Performing Arts Library holds the "Collection of Chinese Theater Images in California"
http://www.oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/kt8489q5fj
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.
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.
The collection was processed by Joseph Geller.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Chinatown (San Francisco, Calif.)
May's Photo (Firm : San Francisco, Calif.)
Operas, Chinese.
Studio Portraits
Photographs.
San Francisco (Calif.) -- Ephemera
Mei, Lanfang
Lee, Isabelle May
Wong, Wylie
Lee, Leo Chan