Photograph albums, biographical information, a painting, and other material from Hollywood set decorator, Henry Grace; as well as writings, publicity materials, and videotapes (VHS) from his nephew, Michael L. Grace. The bulk of the collection is Henry's photograph albums, circa 1942-1986, that document his travels throughout Mexico, social gatherings, costume parties, and art works he collected or used as inspiration for his set designs. The videotapes (VHS) collected by Michael are primarily related to the gay fraternity Gamma Mu.

Henry Wooten Grace was an Academy Award-winning motion picture set decorator. He was born on March 20, 1907 in Bakersfield, California, to Henry Barnett and Elsie Fowler Grace. He attended Glendale High School and Chouinard Art Institute. Soon after graduating from Chouinard, he started his career as a interior decorator and worked for several decoration firms before joining Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) in the mid-1930s. During World War II, Grace enlisted in the United States military (branch unknown) and served in the South Pacific as an engineer. He was awarded a Bronze Star and rose to the rank of Captain before he was honorably discharged in 1946. "[Michael L. Grace] attended St. Paul's, University of Southern California, the Pasadena Playhouse, and San Francisco State University. He also apprenticed at ACT - The American Conservatory Theatre and with the Los Angeles Civic Light Opera. He did graduate work at the American University of Beirut and the East-West Center at the University of Hawaii. He has guest lectured at USC, UC San Diego, McGill, Univ. of London and the Univ. of Texas on writing spec screenplays - in a way to avoid development hell in Hollywood."

2 Linear Feet 1 carton, 1 flat box, and 1 oversize item.

All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the ONE Archivist. Permission for publication is given on behalf of ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives at USC Libraries as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.

The collection is open to researchers. There are no access restrictions.