Raphael Bernstein collection, 1956-2002

Collection context

Creator:
Bernstein, Raphael
Extent:
13 linear feet 7 flat boxes
Language:
English .
Scope and content:

138 original scenic, costume, and prop designs, executed variously in watercolor, gouache, pastel, ink, colored pencil, and graphite pencil for the Stratford Shakespearean Festival or Canada, as well as some related items. Some of the designs have attached fabric swatches. The bulk of the work is designs for Shakespearean plays, but there are also designs for other works such as "The Man of La Mancha" and Gogol's "The Government Inspector.".

In the collection there is a three-ringed binder of individually cataloged images, as well as a publication by the Hood Museum of Art"Designs for theatre : Stratford Festival, 1954-1990 / Hood Museum of Art, in association with the Stratford Shakespearean Festival Foundation of Canada".

Biographical / historical:

Raphael Bernstein received his B.S. from Columbia University's School of Engineering in 1956 and his M.B.A. in 1959. The Parnassus Foundation was established in December 1986 by Raphael and Jane Bernstein for purposes that include the encouragement of original creative work in the arts and humanities.

The Shakespearean Stratford Festival was established in 1953. The festival is world renowned and takes place in four theatres throughout the city: the Festival Theatre, Avon Theatre, Tom Patterson Theatre and the Studio Theatre. Celebrities such as Alec Guinness, Christopher Plummer, and Dame Maggie Smith have performed at the festival.

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is located off-site.

This collection has no restrictions.

This collection has no restrictions.

Terms of access:

Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Preferred citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Raphael Bernstein collection; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Location of this collection:
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th Street
New York, NY 10027, USA
Before you visit:
Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
Contact:
rbml@library.columbia.edu