Set Design
1974
Artist/Maker |
The designer creates the sets with the minimum of information needed to convey the period of the play and give the necessary space for the particular scene. The bosses and 'Gothic' architecture are sufficient to suggest the heraldic medieval period of St Joan. Minimum sets can have the advantage of not being difficult to change, hence eliminating long intervals between scenes, but equally they can be a sign of a limited budget.
The ariel sketch of the staircase is added to explain the technical detail behind the artistic conception.
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.
The ariel sketch of the staircase is added to explain the technical detail behind the artistic conception.
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 drawing by Alix Stone for 'St. Joan', possibly at Oxford University, 1974. |
Physical description | Set sketch with arches and hanging boses over a central staircase which winds off to left behind a central pillar; to the right of the staircase is a pointed arched door; on the staircase is a sketchy figure. Below is a sketch showing an aerial impression of the staircase layout |
Production type | Unique |
Credit line | Given by Dr Ray Ingram |
Object history | Set drawing by Alix Stone for George Bernard Shaw's play "St Joan", possibly at Oxford University, August 29th, 1974. The production starred Julia Foster as Joan. Historical significance: possibly an alternative sketch for S.64-2004 |
Production | Reason For Production: Commission |
Associations | |
Literary reference | St Joan |
Summary | The designer creates the sets with the minimum of information needed to convey the period of the play and give the necessary space for the particular scene. The bosses and 'Gothic' architecture are sufficient to suggest the heraldic medieval period of St Joan. Minimum sets can have the advantage of not being difficult to change, hence eliminating long intervals between scenes, but equally they can be a sign of a limited budget. The ariel sketch of the staircase is added to explain the technical detail behind the artistic conception. 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.65-2004 |
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Record created | January 13, 2005 |
Record URL |
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