Description
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.
Background
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."
Extent
2 Linear Feet
1 carton, 1 flat box, and 1 oversize item.
Restrictions
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.
Availability
The collection is open to researchers. There are no access restrictions.