Research Catalog

Paul Morrison papers and designs

Title
Paul Morrison papers and designs
Author
Morrison, Paul, 1906-1980.
Publication
1925-1973.
Supplementary Content
Finding Aid

Items in the Library & Off-site

Filter by

11 Items

StatusContainerFormatAccessCall NumberItem Location
Box 1Still imageSupervised use *T-Vim 1981-010 Box 1Performing Arts Research Collections - Theatre
Box 2Still imageSupervised use *T-Vim 1981-010 Box 2Performing Arts Research Collections - Theatre
Box 3Still imageSupervised use *T-Vim 1981-010 Box 3Performing Arts Research Collections - Theatre
Box 4Still imageSupervised use *T-Vim 1981-010 Box 4Performing Arts Research Collections - Theatre
Box 5Still imageSupervised use *T-Vim 1981-010 Box 5Performing Arts Research Collections - Theatre
Box 6Still imageSupervised use *T-Vim 1981-010 Box 6Performing Arts Research Collections - Theatre
Box 7Still imageSupervised use *T-Vim 1981-010 Box 7Performing Arts Research Collections - Theatre
Box 8Still imageSupervised use *T-Vim 1981-010 Box 8Performing Arts Research Collections - Theatre
Box 9Still imageSupervised use *T-Vim 1981-010 Box 9Performing Arts Research Collections - Theatre
Box 10Still imageSupervised use *T-Vim 1981-010 Box 10Performing Arts Research Collections - Theatre
Box 11Still imageSupervised use *T-Vim 1981-010 Box 11Performing Arts Research Collections - Theatre

Details

Description
5.2 linear feet (11 oversized boxes)
Summary
Consists of drawings, notes, watercolor design sketches, ground plans, set elevations, light plots, channel hookups and other technical drawings.
Subjects
Genre/Form
  • Blueprints.
  • Costume design drawings.
  • Diazotypes.
  • Set design drawings.
  • Technical drawings.
Biography (note)
  • Paul Morrison's theatrical career was varied and prolific.
Call Number
*T-Vim 1981-010
OCLC
NYPG07-F14
Author
Morrison, Paul, 1906-1980.
Title
Paul Morrison papers and designs,
Imprint
1925-1973.
Biography
Paul Morrison's theatrical career was varied and prolific. Born in Altoona, Pa. in 1906, Morrison graduated from Lafayette College (Easton, Pa.), where he also taught drama. During World War II, he joined the armed forces and designed and supervised shows overseas for the USO. Morrison's first theatrical work in New York was performing with the Theatre Guild in 1929-1930. He acted and stage managed for the Group Theatre, appearing in the first production of Clifford Odets' PARADISE LOST. During 1935-36, Morrison served as technical director and design supervisor for the Chicago Division of the Federal Theatre (WPA) Project.
Morrison often served a show in multiple capacities, covering more than one design element, and sometimes stage managing or supervising production. As a costume designer, Morrison's first Broadway show was THUNDER ROCK at the Mansfield Theatre in 1939. Serving as technical director for the American Repertory Theatre, Morrison worked with Eva LeGallienne and Cheryl Crawford, designing sets for WHAT EVERY WOMAN KNOWS and JOHN GABRIEL BORKMAN, which played in repertory 1946-1947.
Many Broadway productions followed, for which he designed sets, lighting and/or costumes, including the following shows represented in this collection: ALL MY SONS (1947), BILLY BUDD (1951), SEPARATE TABLES (1956), THE VISIT (1958), MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (1959), THURBER CARNIVAL (1960), THE CARETAKER (1961), A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS (1961), and THE PRICE (1968). Morrison worked with such directors as Peter Brook, Harold Clurman, John Gielgud, Ulu Grosbard, Tyrone Guthrie, and Lee Strasberg.
From 1936-1941 Morrison headed up the Theatre Department at Bard College. In 1963, he became executive director of the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre. Paul Morrison died in New York City on December 29, 1980.
Connect to:
Request Access to Theatre Division Special Collections material
Finding Aid
Research Call Number
*T-Vim 1981-010
View in Legacy Catalog