Theisen (Earl) collection, 1773-1935, bulk 1895-1934

Collection context

Summary

Title:
Earl Theisen collection
Dates:
1773-1935, bulk 1895-1934
Creators:
Theisen, Earl
Extent:
1 linear feet of papers. 3 linear feet of photographs.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Earl Theisen collection, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Background

Scope and content:

The Earl Theisen collection spans the years 1773-1935 (bulk 1895-1934) and encompasses 4 linear feet. The collection consists primarily of correspondence and general material, including patents, relating to the early history of the cinema. Also, there are a small number of books, periodicals, and pamphlets. The photograph series consists entirely of motion picture film-frame specimens. The film frames, collected by Theisen in the 1920s and 1930s, number in the hundreds and document a wide variety of formats in relation to image size, sound on film, and color processes.

Biographical / historical:

Earl Theisen was an American journalist and historian. In 1931 he began researching early cinema history and collecting artifacts under the auspices of the Los Angeles Museum and the Society of Motion Picture Engineers.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Earl Theisen, 1949
Arrangement:

Arranged in the following series: 1. Correspondence; 2. Subject files, subseries A-B as follows: A. General; B. Books and periodicals; 3. Photographs (Subject)

Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Special Collections
Date Prepared:
© 2014
Date Encoded:
Machine-readable finding aid derived from Inmagic. Date of source: December 18, 2014

Access and use

Restrictions:

Available by appointment only.

Terms of access:

Property rights to the physical object belong to the Margaret Herrick Library. Researchers are responsible for obtaining all necessary rights, licenses, or permissions from the appropriate companies or individuals before quoting from or publishing materials obtained from the library.

Preferred citation:

Earl Theisen collection, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Location of this collection:
333 S. La Cienega Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90211, US
Contact:
(310) 247-3036 extension 2226