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.
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 type | Unique |
Marks and inscriptions |
|
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 reference | Romeo 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 created | January 13, 2005 |
Record URL |
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