Collection Guide
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Finding Aid to the Frank Borel Motion Picture Portrait Photograph Collection
(1922-1950)
SFP 152
SFP 152
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Title: Frank Borel Motion Picture Portrait Photograph Collection
Date (inclusive): 1922-1950
Identifier/Call Number: SFP 152
Creator:
Borel, Frank Merton, 1887 - 1954
Physical Description:
2 pamphlet boxes and 1 flat box
(1.5 Cubic Feet)
Contributing Institution:
San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 557-4567
info@sfpl.org
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.
Physical Location: The collection is stored on site.
Language of Materials: Collection materials are in
English.
The collection is available for use during Photo Desk hours. Collections that are stored offsite should be requested 48 hours
in advance.
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.
[Identification of item], Frank Borel Motion Picture Portrait Photograph Collection (SFP 152), San Francisco History Center,
San Francisco Public Library.
Gift.
For entertainer portraits, researchers are encouraged to view San Francisco Portrait Photograph Collection (SFP 136); San
Francisco Cabinet Card Collection (SFP 59); San Francisco Public Library Performing Artists Photograph Collection (SFP 87);
Theater, Motion Picture and Performing Arts Photograph Collection (SFP 153); and San Francisco News-Call Bulletin Photo Morgue
(SFP 39).
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.
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.
The collection is arranged alphabetically by surname.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Actors--United States--Pictorial works
Actresses--United States--Pictorial works
Entertainers -- Portraits.
Autographs -- Collections.
Portrait photographs
Women -- Portraits.
Men -- Portraits.