Design Commissions

A list of design commissions undertaken by Oliver Messel throughout his lifetime.

1952: Silk scarf for Cresta Silks Ltd. commemorating the Queen’s coronation 
1953: The Coronation Collection of silk brocade patterns for Sekers Fabrics Ltd. and programme cover for Glyndebourne Festival
1956: Doll’s house for International Paints Ltd. advertising campaign in House and Garden, May issue
1957: Chapter illustrations for Delightful Food, by Adrianne Allen and Marjorie Salter, published by Sidgwick and Jackson, London
1963: Designs for Donegal Carpets, Ireland, and cutlery designs (not executed)

Exhibitions

A list of exhibitions in which Oliver Messel's masks, portraits, theatre and film designs were shown throughout his lifetime.

1925: Masks (group exhibition), Claridge Galleries, London
1933: Designs and Maquettes, LeFevre Gallery, London
1936: Designs for Romeo and Juliet, Leicester Galleries, London
1938: Paintings by Oliver Messel (Portraits), Leicester Galleries, London, Designs for The Theatre, Redfern Gallery, London, and Paintings and Designs by Oliver Messel, Carstairs Gallery, New York
1947: Designs for Die Zauberflöte, Royal Opera House, London
1948: Designs for the Film of Pushkin’s The Queen of Spades, Leicester Galleries, London
1951: Designs for a Cochran Production, Redfern Gallery, London
1957: Designs for A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Designs for Homage to the Queen, Brussels
1959: Paintings for Fabric Design (with Cecil Beaton and Graham Sutherland), Bruton Street, London, and Paintings and Designs for the Theatre, Sagittarius Gallery, New York
1962: Oliver Messel, Paintings, Ohana Gallery, London
1966: Theatre Designs by Oliver Messel, Wright Hepburn Gallery, London
1983: Oliver Messel, V&A, London (occurred after Oliver’s death)

To find out more about any of the commissions or exhibitions above please search our online catalogue here.

These resources are kindly supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

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