George Mason University has announced the intention of benefactor David Stone to bequeath his massive collection on Gilbert and Sullivan to the University Libraries’ Special Collection & Archives. In a Mason News story by Corey Jenkins Schaut at http://newsdesk.gmu.edu/2014/10/gilbert-sullivan-collection-make-home-mason/, the collection is described as “a treasure trove of Gilbert and Sullivan memorabilia, from original manuscripts to production materials to letters and personal effects of the two men and their partner, Richard D’Oyly Carte.” The University plans to feature selected Gilbert and Sullivan treasures in occasional exhibitions stating this December. The University Libraries is honored to be the future home of this collection with its inestimable research value for Mason faculty and students as well as scholars world-wide. The collection complements existing strengths in performing arts collections such as the Arena Stage Archives and Federal Theatre Project Collections.
Annabelle and David Stone with a original poster of The Mikado
For example, the University Libraries’ Federal Theatre Project Collection includes materials on the “Swing Mikado,” a version of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Mikado, put to “swing” music and staged with an all-Black cast. Visit the FTP Collection finding aid for more information at http://sca.gmu.edu/finding_aids/ftp.html.
Costume design for Swing Mikado, Federal Theatre Project Collection, C0002.
