Not on display

Photograph of a Gordon Craig set model

Photograph
1912 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Edward Gordon Craig (1872-1966), designer, director and theorist, was a controversial figure whose writings have had a great influence on 20th century theatre. Craig reacted against the stage realism of his day, believing that painted scenery and a naturalistic interpretation of characters distracted attention from the essence of the play. His designs, most made for productions which never took place, were simple and non-illusory. They were characterised by towering vertical masses and were intended as a background for actors who would subordinate themselves to the drama. It was the beginning of what came to be called Director's Theatre, in which director and designer offered a strong co-ordinated interpretation of each work.

One production which did take place was Hamlet at the Moscow Art Theatre in 1912. In 1908 Constantin Stanislavsky, the theatre's director, invited Craig to direct and design Shakespeare's play. This photograph shows Craig's model for Act III, scene iv, made in 1909.

Object details

Categories
Object type
TitlePhotograph of a Gordon Craig set model (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Photograph mounted on board
Brief description
Photograph of a set model by Edward Gordon Craig for Act III, scene iv of Hamlet, Moscow Art Theatre, 1912. Display print mounted on board.
Physical description
Photograph of a set model by Edward Gordon Craig for Act III, scene iv, of 'Hamlet', Moscow Art Theatre, 1912. Display print mounted on board. Tall screens arranged to suggest pillars. 'Box' with opening in front and right side positioned to left. Opening at back with cut-out figure.
Dimensions
  • Height: 19.2cm
  • Width: 46cm
Marks and inscriptions
  • ''HAMLET'. Act 3 Scene 4. / Photograph of one of Gordon Craig's models for the / Moscow Art Theatre production of 1911. The models / were made in 1909. / From the original negative in the collection of / Edward Craig, Bledlow, Buckinghamshire, England.' (Typewritten label attached to reverse.)
  • '647 CA' (Pencil, upper left hand corner.)
Object history
This photograph, from Gordon Craig's personal archive, was acquired by the director and collector, Jason Buzas, from the family of Gordon Craig, via Craig's grandson, Tom.
Literary referenceHamlet
Summary
Edward Gordon Craig (1872-1966), designer, director and theorist, was a controversial figure whose writings have had a great influence on 20th century theatre. Craig reacted against the stage realism of his day, believing that painted scenery and a naturalistic interpretation of characters distracted attention from the essence of the play. His designs, most made for productions which never took place, were simple and non-illusory. They were characterised by towering vertical masses and were intended as a background for actors who would subordinate themselves to the drama. It was the beginning of what came to be called Director's Theatre, in which director and designer offered a strong co-ordinated interpretation of each work.

One production which did take place was Hamlet at the Moscow Art Theatre in 1912. In 1908 Constantin Stanislavsky, the theatre's director, invited Craig to direct and design Shakespeare's play. This photograph shows Craig's model for Act III, scene iv, made in 1909.
Bibliographic reference
In my mind's eye : Edward Gordon Craig and Hamlet : an exhibition of prints & books, mainly from the personal archives of Gordon Craig and his family from the collection of Jason Buzas, London : Sophie Schneideman Rare Books, 2009
Collection
Accession number
S.8-2010

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Record createdMarch 14, 2011
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