Not currently on display at the V&A

Set Design

1977
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. 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.
In this design for the final scene of Romeo and Juliet, the designer uses the sombre colours to marry into the melancholy tragic atmosphere. The sketch of the double colonnade with staircases gives a variety of levels, which is necessary to create interesting crowd scenes. The townscape indicates the greater picture - the play is not just a personal tragedy but a tragedy of civic breakdown.


Object details

Object type
Materials and techniques
Brief description
Set design by Alix Stone possibly for a production of "Romeo and Juliet", Young Vic, London, 1977.
Physical description
At the top, in brown washes and gouache, a vault with several tombs with, at the back, an elaborate colonnaded screen, the central division set with a statue at upper level. Below is a pen and ink sketch of a double collonnade with starcases to either side behind which to the right are crowded hauses and rooftops in Italian style.
Production typeUnique
Marks and inscriptions
  • Centre tomb 1/2 rests on Balcony - under part set (on truck) (Above upper drawing)
  • The Square / "Try-outs" for R&J at Young Vic (Related to lower sketch)
Credit line
Given by Dr Ray Ingram
Object history
Set design by Alix Stone possibly for a production of William Shakespeare 's play "Romeo and Juliet", Young Vic, London, February 23rd 1977. The production was directed by Denise Coffey; lit by Mike Alvey and Jenny Cane; and the fight scenes were arranged by Derek Ware. The production starred Simon Chandler and Natasha Pyne as Romeo and Juliet.
Production
Reason For Production: Commission
Association
Literary referenceRomeo and Juliet
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. 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.
In this design for the final scene of Romeo and Juliet, the designer uses the sombre colours to marry into the melancholy tragic atmosphere. The sketch of the double colonnade with staircases gives a variety of levels, which is necessary to create interesting crowd scenes. The townscape indicates the greater picture - the play is not just a personal tragedy but a tragedy of civic breakdown.
Collection
Accession number
S.60-2004

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Record createdJanuary 13, 2005
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