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Merle Armitage Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MsC0558

  • Staff Only
  • Please navigate to collection organization to place requests.

Scope and Contents

The papers of Merle Armitage consist of 2.5 linear feet of manuscripts, dating from 1932 - 1964. Arranged alphabetically, the subject files include typescripts and galley proofs for such works as Accent on Life and George Gershwin: Man and Legend. There are also biographical materials, book and exhibition catalogs containing Armitage items, photographs, scrapbooks, and documents related to his military service. The correspondence folders date from 1933 to 1964 and include letters from Lucius Beebe and Gardner Cowles. The University of Arizona at Tucson also has six linear feet of Armitage material, dating from 1947 to 1964. However, the largest gathering of his papers may be found at the Humanities Research Center, University of Texas at Austin.

Dates

  • Creation: 1932-1965

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright restrictions may apply; please consult Special Collections staff for further information.

Copyright held by Chama Armitage Rogate Via Archimede 85 20129 Milan Italy

Biographical / Historical

Merle Armitage (1893 -- 1975) was born near Mason City, Iowa, on his father's cattle ranch/farm. Self-educated, he began his varied career as a civil engineer for the Kansas City, Mexico, and Orient railroad. He next worked as a designer of sets and costumes in the theatre world of New York City. From designing he moved on to become an impresario, managing the concert tours of many leading performers. His clients include such artists as: John McCormack, Mme. Schumann-Heink, Alice Nielson, Will Rogers, Martha Graham, and Igor Stravinsky. He co-founded the Los Angeles Grand Opera Association in 1924, and served as its general manager for eight seasons. From 1933 to 1939 he was manager of the Philharmonic Auditorium in Los Angeles. There he presented Leopold Stokowski in 1937, and George Gershwin's Porgy and Bess in 1938.

Armitage was, at one time, president of the American Institute of Graphic Arts and art director of Quick and Look Magazine. He was a book designer and author, with over one hundred books to his credit. Many of the books he wrote and/or designed were concerned with the artists, composers, and performers with whom he was associated.

Extent

2.50 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Set designer, impresario, co-founder and manager of the Los Angeles Grand Opera Association, president of the American Institute of Graphic Arts, art director of Look and Quick magazines, and book designer. Correspondence, typescripts of Accent on Life and George Gershwin: Man and Legend, and files on other projects.

Physical Location

Merle Armitage's paintings are housed at an offsite location. Upon requesting an item, a digitial file will be provided. If further access to the material is needed, please contact Special Collections Staff.

Method of Acquisition

This collection was donated to the University of Iowa Libraries by Merle Armitage from 1962-1966.

Related Materials

The University of Arizona at Tucson also has six linear feet of Armitage material, dating from 1947 to 1964. However, the largest gathering of his papers may be found at the Humanities Research Center, University of Texas at Austin.

Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
eng

Repository Details

Part of the University of Iowa Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Special Collections Department
University of Iowa Libraries
Iowa City IA 52242 IaU
319-335-5921
319-335-5900 (Fax)