Morris Kestelman design for Carmen
Set Design
1940 (designed)
1940 (designed)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This set design is by Morris Kestelman (1905-1998) for Bizet's opera Carmen. Kestelman was commissioned by Tyrone Guthrie in 1939 to design both sets and costumes for the production at Sadler's Wells Theatre which Guthrie ran.
Carmen opened in February 1940, one of several operas that were performed in repertory at Sadler's Wells during 1939 and 1940. It was a struggle to continue productions during wartime; staff all accepted salary cuts as high as 50%, and to celebrate the achievement of mounting opera there during wartime, a 'jubilee performance' celebrating the 50th performance of opera since the war began took place at Sadler's Wells on 31st January 1940.
Morris Kestelman (1905-1998) is best known as a painter, but made a significant contribution as a stage designer during the 1940s when he also designed Tabbaro and Gianni Schicchi for Sadler's Wells, and Richard III, The Alchemist and Doctor Faustus for the Old Vic.
Carmen opened in February 1940, one of several operas that were performed in repertory at Sadler's Wells during 1939 and 1940. It was a struggle to continue productions during wartime; staff all accepted salary cuts as high as 50%, and to celebrate the achievement of mounting opera there during wartime, a 'jubilee performance' celebrating the 50th performance of opera since the war began took place at Sadler's Wells on 31st January 1940.
Morris Kestelman (1905-1998) is best known as a painter, but made a significant contribution as a stage designer during the 1940s when he also designed Tabbaro and Gianni Schicchi for Sadler's Wells, and Richard III, The Alchemist and Doctor Faustus for the Old Vic.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Morris Kestelman design for Carmen (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Watercolour on card |
| Brief description | Ground plan for Carmen by Georges Bizet, Sadler's Wells Opera Company, 1940. Designed by Morris Kestelman (1905-1998) |
| Physical description | Watercolour on card ground plan designed by Morris Kestelman for Carmen, Sadler's Wells Opera Company, 1940. The design shows people watching others on stage in front of archways. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Marks and inscriptions | 'CARMEN' (On front side in pencil) |
| Credit line | Given by Sara Kestelman |
| Summary | This set design is by Morris Kestelman (1905-1998) for Bizet's opera Carmen. Kestelman was commissioned by Tyrone Guthrie in 1939 to design both sets and costumes for the production at Sadler's Wells Theatre which Guthrie ran. Carmen opened in February 1940, one of several operas that were performed in repertory at Sadler's Wells during 1939 and 1940. It was a struggle to continue productions during wartime; staff all accepted salary cuts as high as 50%, and to celebrate the achievement of mounting opera there during wartime, a 'jubilee performance' celebrating the 50th performance of opera since the war began took place at Sadler's Wells on 31st January 1940. Morris Kestelman (1905-1998) is best known as a painter, but made a significant contribution as a stage designer during the 1940s when he also designed Tabbaro and Gianni Schicchi for Sadler's Wells, and Richard III, The Alchemist and Doctor Faustus for the Old Vic. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | S.2096-2014 |
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| Record created | February 20, 2014 |
| Record URL |
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