Signed Photograph to Douglas Watson ("The Perfect Romeo") While Working on "Romeo and Juliet"

Large signed original doubleweight photograph of the important English stage designer at work on the 1951 production of Romeo and Juliet, signed and inscribed to actor Douglass Watson at the lower right "To Dear Doug / The Perfect Romeo / Oliver."  Silver gelatin print. Some light ink stains mostly along the left and lower edge, medium contrast to the signature, else fine. 11 x 14 inches.

The 1951 Broadway production of Romeo and Juliet starred Olivia de Havilland and Douglass Watson as the young lovers and was directed by Peter Glenville, with costumes and sets by Messel.  Oliver Messel epitomised the sophisticated and fashionable in mid-20th century theatre. He began work in the 1920s, when the detailed style of realism had given way to a more selective, distilled truth. He understood that a stage designer was part of a team and was extraordinarily sensitive to the dramatic requirements of action and atmosphere. He could set the mood as surely as any producer or actor and complemented the work of both.  One of the foremost stage designers of the 20th century, signed photographs of him are uncommon.  (14605)

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Signed Photograph

Theater

$750.00

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