Theater, Motion Picture and Performing Arts Photograph Collection
Finding aid created by San Francisco History Center staff using RecordEXPRESS
San Francisco Public Library. San Francisco History Center
2022
San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, California 94102
(415) 557-4567
sfhistory@sfpl.org
http://sfpl.org/sfhistory
Title: Theater, Motion Picture and Performing Arts Photograph Collection
Dates: 1870-1994
Collection Number: SFP 153
Creator/Collector:
San Francisco Public Library
Extent: 2 cartons, 2 pamphlet boxes and 1 flat box with 1,500 photographs
Repository:
San Francisco Public Library. San Francisco History Center
San Francisco, California 94102
Abstract: 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.
Language of Material: English
The collection is available for use during Photo Desk hours.
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]. Theater, Motion Picture and Performing Arts Photograph Collection. Collection Number: SFP 153. San
Francisco Public Library. San Francisco History Center
The photographs were acquired from various sources, including donations and purchases.
Biography/Administrative History
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.
Scope and Content of Collection
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.
Entertainers -- Portraits.
Theater--United States--Pictorial works
Actors--United States--Pictorial works
Actresses--United States--Pictorial works
Singers--United States--Pictorial works
Theaters -- Stage-setting and scenery -- Pictorial works.
Motion pictures -- Setting and scenery -- Pictorial works
Portrait photographs