Research Catalog

Details

Additional authors

1. Aronson, Lisa Jalowetz.
2. Chagall, Marc, 1887-1985.

Description

1. 134.5 linear feet (153 boxes) and 24 models

Summary

1. The Boris Aronson papers and designs is made up mainly of designs, but also includes production materials, scripts, and other papers.

Subject

1. Diazotypes
2. Scrapbooks
3. Technical drawings
4. Scripts (documents)
5. Set designers > United States
6. Clippings
7. Costume design drawings
8. Theaters > Stage-setting and scenery
9. Design drawings
10. Blueprints
11. Aronson, Boris, 1900-1980
12. Models (representations)
13. Renderings
14. Programs

Genre/Form

1. Clippings.
2. Blueprints.
3. Costume design drawings.
4. Design drawings.
5. Models (representations)
6. Programs.
7. Diazotypes.
8. Renderings.
9. Scrapbooks.
10. Scripts (documents)
11. Technical drawings.

Call number

1. *T-Vim 1987-012

Access (note)

1. Collection is open to the public. Advance notice may be required. Set models in Series IX are available for access by permission of the Division and then by appointment only.

Biography (note)

1. Kiev-born Boris Solomon Aronson was a prominent twentieth century scenic designer, perhaps best known for his work on Broadway from the 1950s through the mid-1970s.

Author

1. Aronson, Boris, 1900-1980.

Title

1. Boris Aronson papers and designs, 1923-2000.

Restricted access

1. Collection is open to the public. Advance notice may be required. Set models in Series IX are available for access by permission of the Division and then by appointment only.

Biography

1. Kiev-born Boris Solomon Aronson was a prominent twentieth century scenic designer, perhaps best known for his work on Broadway from the 1950s through the mid-1970s. In a career ranging several decades, Aronson won eight Antoinette Perry (Tony) Awards for Best Scenic Design. He came of age during the Russian Revolution, studying art and design at the School of Modern Painting in Moscow. Continuing his education in Paris and Berlin, he wrote a book about his friend, the artist Marc Chagall. In 1923 Aronson emigrated to the United States and began designing sets for New York's Jewish theaters, first with the experimental Unser Theater and later with the Yiddish Art Theater. It was during these years that Aronson developed his theories on stage design: the set should permit varied movement; each scene should contain the mood of the whole play; and that the setting should be beautiful in its own right. Aronson soon found work in the English-speaking theater and began an affiliation with the Group Theater during the 1930s, working on 11 productions with director Harold Clurman, including Awake and Sing! (1935). In 1943 Lisa Jalowetz, whom Aronson would later marry, became his professional assistant; she continued to assist him throughout his career. The 1950s brought greater recognition of Aronson's talents. Working mainly on dramas during that decade, he received the Tony Award for Best Design for the 1951-1952 Broadway season for both Season in the Sun (1950) and The Country Girl (1950); he would receive another Tony the following year for The Rose Tattoo (1951). The 1960s brought him widespread acclaim as a designer for musical theater. His notable collaborations with director Harold Prince, included Fiddler on the Roof (1964), Cabaret (1966), Zorba (1968), Company (1970), Follies (1971), and Pacific Overtures (1976). Aronson also worked on ballet designs throughout his career; his final designs were for Baryshnikov's The Nutcracker (1976). Aronson also worked on some costume designs, as well as on paintings and sculpture; his work was the subject of several exhibitions, especially during the later years of his life.

Connect to:

1. Request Access to Theatre Division Special Collections material
2. NYPL Digital Collections
3. Finding Aid

Occupation

1. Set designers.

Added author

1. Aronson, Lisa Jalowetz.
2. Chagall, Marc, 1887-1985.
3. Aronson, Boris, 1900-1980. Marc Chagall.

Research call number

1. *T-Vim 1987-012