Oliver Messel – Material Texts is delivered with the Centre for Material Texts and will explore the vast array of different types of texts within the Archive that fall under this definition.
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 sketchbooks from Messel’s travels, photograph albums which include personal memories of family and friends, reference albums for stage and screen designs, press cutting albums collated by Messel which relate to various productions as well as recording society life, art and design commissions and production stills. In addition to these are a number of notes, manuscripts, exhibition catalogues and associated texts providing rich ground for exploration.
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
Participants will be encouraged to explore interdisciplinary and collaborative research opportunities whilst learning how to access and engage with the Archive in the future. There will also be an opportunity to see the exhibition Wake Up and Dream – Oliver Messel: Theatre, Art and Society, with tea/coffee and cake to close.
Workshops are free to attend and open to all academic researchers including postgraduate students, museum and archive professionals and
All workshops are supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
