Borel (Frank) Motion Picture Portrait Photograph Collection, 1922-1950

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Summary

Title:
Frank Borel Motion Picture Portrait Photograph Collection
Dates:
1922-1950
Creators:
Borel, Frank Merton, 1887 - 1954
Abstract:
The collection consists of over 146 black and white photographic prints of motion picture actors and actresses collected by San Francisco millinery designer Frank Borel. Almost all the photographs are inscribed to Frank Borel and autographed by the celebrity. Most of the portraits are of people related to motion picture but does include those related to performing arts. The bulk of the collection is from the 1930s-early 1950s.
Extent:
2 pamphlet boxes and 1 flat box (1.5 Cubic Feet)
Language:
Collection materials are in English.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Frank Borel Motion Picture Portrait Photograph Collection (SFP 152), San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists of over 146 black and white photographic prints of motion picture actors and actresses collected by San Francisco millinery designer Frank Borel. Almost all the photographs are inscribed to Frank Borel and autographed by the celebrity. Most of the portraits are of people related to motion picture but does include those related to performing arts. The bulk of the collection is from the 1930s-early 1950s. Most of the photographers were motion picture studio photographers. Only a few photographs are dated. Based on the appearance of the backsides of the photographs, most had been mounted in scrapbooks and removed. The scrapbooks and photographs were on display at Borel's hat salon at 251 Post Street.

Biographical / historical:

Frank Merton Borel was born on September 13, 1887 to Louise and Francois Borel in Alameda County, California. The family moved to the South of Market, San Francisco by the 1890s. In 1910, Borel began his career as a salesman in a local wholesale millinery house. Borel traveled to Paris to learn more of the millinery trade. Upon return, he opened his own designing house and hat salon, Francois, located at 251 Post Street. From the 1930s until his death, Borel lived with his sister and a male assistant from his hat salon in Ashbury Heights at 187 Delmar Street. A confirmed bachelor, Frank Merton Borel died on February 2, 1954 in San Francisco, California.

Acquisition information:
Gift.
Arrangement:

The collection is arranged alphabetically by surname.

Physical location:
The collection is stored on site.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid composed by Christina Moretta
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2022-10-20 20:20:15 +0000 .

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is available for use during Photo Desk hours. Collections that are stored offsite should be requested 48 hours in advance.

Terms of access:

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.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Frank Borel Motion Picture Portrait Photograph Collection (SFP 152), San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library.

Location of this collection:
San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102, US
Contact:
(415) 557-4567
sfhistory@sfpl.org
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