Oliver Messel – Artist, Maker, Magician focuses on Oliver Messel’s creative work across the fields of theatre, ballet, opera, film, portraiture, mask-making, interior design, architecture, illustration and textiles, exploring the physical act of ‘making’ that sits at the heart of all his practice.
Practitioners from across disciplines are invited to consider creative responses to material through creative writing, performance, film, music and art. The workshop is open to researchers across disciplines and will include an introduction to the Archive and an opportunity to engage with original objects including costumes, designs, props, artwork, photography and correspondence.
About Oliver Messel
Oliver Messel (1904-1978) led a fascinating life moving between backstage and high society with ease. Born into wealth he was one of London’s Bright Young Things, later forging friendships with Hollywood stars and royalty, whilst through his professional work his life interweaved with all aspects of society. He is celebrated as one of the twentieth century’s brightest theatrical stars, yet his practice expanded across a variety of artforms. In WW2 his artistic skills were turned to use as a Camouflage Officer stationed in North Somerset and Norwich. In the 1950s he campaigned against the colour bar and as a gay man he was keenly aware of the lack of equality throughout society. In the 1960s he moved to Barbados and from the world of theatre to architecture and interiors. The Archive’s rich tapestry of material provides an intimate insight into a variety of pivotal societal, political and historical points throughout the twentieth century, explored through the life of one man.About the Workshops and How to Book
This workshop is part of our HLF funded Sharing the Messel Magic project which has included the cataloguing and conservation of the Oliver Messel Personal Archive as well as the exhibitions Wake Up and Dream - Oliver Messel: Theatre, Art and Society at the Theatre Collection until April 2019 and Oliver Messel: Theatre and Beyond at the RWA until 13 January 2019.
