Theater, Motion Picture and Performing Arts Photograph Collection, 1870-1994

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Summary

Title:
Theater, Motion Picture and Performing Arts Photograph Collection
Dates:
1870-1994
Creators:
San Francisco Public Library
Abstract:
Extent:
2 cartons, 2 pamphlet boxes and 1 flat box with 1,500 photographs
Language:
Preferred citation:

Theater, Motion Picture and Performing Arts Photograph Collection. San Francisco Public Library, San Francisco History Center

Background

Scope and content:

The artificial collection consists of approximately 1,500 photographic prints of people related to theater, performing arts and motion pictures as well as film stills, set stills and stage scenes from the 1860s to the 1990s collected by the San Francisco Public Library. The photographs are of a diverse group of entertainers including vocalists, musicians, vaudeville performers, motion picture stars, stage actors and actresses and dancers. The collection does include persons of national prominence. The bulk of the collection is from the 1930s-1960s. Many photographs do not have the photographer or photography studio identified and are undated. Some photographs are stamped with “San Francisco Public Library Reference Department” or the “John E. Allen Collection.” The source of the publicity photos includes San Francisco Symphony and ACT Theater. Most of the collection are glossy, black and white photographic prints. There are additional formats including cartes-de-visite, photo postcards and card photographs.

Biographical / historical:

The collection was first collected and assembled by the Reference Department of the San Francisco Public Library. The collection was transferred to the San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library by the 1990s. The collection includes multiple accessions and donations received over the life of the San Francisco Public Library.

Acquisition information:
The photographs were acquired from various sources, including donations and purchases.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by San Francisco Public Library, San Francisco History Center staff.
Date Prepared:
1870-1994
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:55 p.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open for research. The collection is offsite and advance notice is required for retrieval. Material must be requested at least 4 business days in advance of visit. The collection is available for use during Photo Desk hours.

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:

Theater, Motion Picture and Performing Arts Photograph Collection. San Francisco Public Library, San Francisco History Center

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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