Set Design
1932 (painted)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Edward McKnight Kauffer (1890-1954) was an American poster artist who spent most of his working life in England. Best known for his designs for posters promoting the London Underground and Shell Petrol, he used strong colours and minimal text to create memorable eye-catching images that turned the poster from an advertising tool into an art form.
It was not surprising that theatre managements should see the potential in McKnight Kauffer's striking designs. From the 1920s until his death in 1954 he created scenery and costumes for plays, ballets and operas on the London stage. His set designs for Ernest Milton's production of Othello (St James's Theatre,1932) used the bold blocks of colour of the poster designer. They were realised in three-dimensions with flat cut-out pieces of scenery representing the buildings and arcades of Venice and Cyprus. These enabled the scene changes to be swift whilst creating a setting that did not overwhelm the action.
It was not surprising that theatre managements should see the potential in McKnight Kauffer's striking designs. From the 1920s until his death in 1954 he created scenery and costumes for plays, ballets and operas on the London stage. His set designs for Ernest Milton's production of Othello (St James's Theatre,1932) used the bold blocks of colour of the poster designer. They were realised in three-dimensions with flat cut-out pieces of scenery representing the buildings and arcades of Venice and Cyprus. These enabled the scene changes to be swift whilst creating a setting that did not overwhelm the action.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Poster paint on paper |
| Brief description | Set design by E. McKnight Kauffer for Shakespeare's play, Othello, St James's Theatre, 1932 |
| Physical description | Set design showing, to left, stairs leading up to bridge, to right a stylised arcade and buildings, all set against a dark blue sky. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Gallery label | 5
Set design for Othello
1932
McKnight Kauffer was an American poster artist
who spent most of his working life in England. His
stage work used the bold blocks of colour and eyecatching
imagery of poster design. The Othello
design looks two-dimensional but was realised in
three dimensions with flat cut-out pieces of scenery
representing the buildings.
Play by William Shakespeare, 1604
St James’s Theatre, London
Poster paint on paper
Designed and painted by E. McKnight Kauffer (1890-1954)
Given by the British Theatre Museum Association
Museum no. S.600–1987(March 2009 - September 2013) |
| Credit line | Given by the British Theatre Museum Association |
| Object history | Set design by E. McKnight Kauffer for Shakespeare's play, Othello, St James's Theatre, 1932. The production was presented by the actor-manager, Ernest Milton, who also played the title role. This design was given to the British Theatre Museum Association by Athene Seyler. |
| Summary | Edward McKnight Kauffer (1890-1954) was an American poster artist who spent most of his working life in England. Best known for his designs for posters promoting the London Underground and Shell Petrol, he used strong colours and minimal text to create memorable eye-catching images that turned the poster from an advertising tool into an art form. It was not surprising that theatre managements should see the potential in McKnight Kauffer's striking designs. From the 1920s until his death in 1954 he created scenery and costumes for plays, ballets and operas on the London stage. His set designs for Ernest Milton's production of Othello (St James's Theatre,1932) used the bold blocks of colour of the poster designer. They were realised in three-dimensions with flat cut-out pieces of scenery representing the buildings and arcades of Venice and Cyprus. These enabled the scene changes to be swift whilst creating a setting that did not overwhelm the action. |
| Other number | 1964/G/41 - BTMA accession number |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | S.600-1987 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | August 27, 2008 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSON
