Not currently on display at the V&A

Set Design

1960
Artist/Maker

Although theatre designs are often considered works of art and are sought after by museums and private collectors, their artistic worth or decorative qualities are secondary to whether they 'work' on stage. The success of a set design cannot be judged until it is translated into three dimensions by the set painters or builders.
It is often difficult from a set drawing to see how the design will be realised. The designer usually conveys an impression which is then translated into detailed scale drawings and set models. Some designers build their own set models, others are realised by specialist model makers or set builders.


Object details

Object type
Materials and techniques
Brief description
Set design by Alix Stone for 'The Taming of the Shrew', Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 1960.
Physical description
Double storey set at back of stage against a sky background. At the back running across the stage is double line of wooden columns with an arch to either end and staircases leading to an upper level. Central on the upper level is a back wall with a window, the walls painted with decorative patterns, urn and column, and columns supporting a beamed roof; to the left four columns linked with planks at the top. On the stage floor are indications of a revolve.
Production typeUnique
Marks and inscriptions
Tameing (sic) of Shrew (On reverse)
Credit line
Given by Dr Ray Ingram
Object history
Set design by Alix Stone for William Shakespeare's play 'The Taming of the Shrew', Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, June 21st 1960.
Production
Reason For Production: Commission
Association
Literary referenceThe Taming of the Shrew
Summary
Although theatre designs are often considered works of art and are sought after by museums and private collectors, their artistic worth or decorative qualities are secondary to whether they 'work' on stage. The success of a set design cannot be judged until it is translated into three dimensions by the set painters or builders.
It is often difficult from a set drawing to see how the design will be realised. The designer usually conveys an impression which is then translated into detailed scale drawings and set models. Some designers build their own set models, others are realised by specialist model makers or set builders.
Collection
Accession number
S.53-2004

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Record createdJanuary 13, 2005
Record URL
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