Broadway Photographs 1900-1930

Dr. David S. Shields, McClintock Professor at the University of South Carolina has begun documenting an important era in American Theater on a Web Site entitled, Broadway Photographs, Art Photography & The American Stage 1900-1930. This beautifully organized documentation joining the Art of Photography and the Art of the American Theater, specifically Broadway Theater seeks to preserve and share photographs from an important American Artistic Era. The mission statement of this exquisite historical preservation project states, "Histories of the theater have long recognized the importance of the period 1914-1934" and continues, "Photography remains the most evocative medium preserving these landmark innovations. Yet the photographers who enable us to see the stage bloom into creative maturity have rarely been recognized for their contributions to the making of the American theater, particularly for their role in the fashioning of the visual languages of glamour, psychological dread, and 'the new.' Conversely, the theater's influence upon the visual language of 20th century photography, has not received its due." Broadway Photographs is a beginning towards just recognition of these two mediums joining together to present a view of the heyday of the Broadway Stage.

To Mehron Makeup, Leaders in Theatrical Makeup since 1927, the historical significance of the work of Dr. Shields is greatly appreciated. Seeking to preserve a visual account of this important time from the American Stage is tantamount to preserving a visual record of the beginnings of a significant aspect of the American Entertainment Industry. It is the era when Mehron Theatrical Makeup was founded, and the time when the founder interacted with the Performers of the era. Regretfully Mehron Makeup does not have a pictorial historic account of this era, this project by Dr. Shields reveals important depictions of the People who were contemporaries to the Mehron Founder, Mehron Melik.

The long list of historical credits for Broadway Photographs is available in the "About Us" section of the Web Site. The Photographs are culled from the private collection of Dr. David S. Shields and the Jay Parrino collection titled, The Mint. A host of other collaborators contribute to this work in progress. The magical collection of photographs are worth spending time with for anyone interested in the history of the American Theater and the people who are a part of it. For Makeup Artists viewing this collection it is important to note that they capture the period when Theatrical Makeup was in its infancy, Makeup Artist as a Profession did not exist, Mehron Melik would personally produce his makeup, visit the dressing rooms of performers and help them apply it. As the era progressed and the amount of shows increased, the Mehron Ladies would pack their bags and spread out throughout the Theater District selling Makeup to the Performers and becoming their Makeup Advisers.

Broadway Photographs offers a unique glimpse into an important era with a vast collection that continues to grow. The Mehron Blog only has room for a small sampling of these amazing photographs, to get lost in their captivity visit, Broadway Photographs, Art Photography & The American Stage 1900-1930.

Janet McGraw photo by Edward Thayer Monroe

Tallulah Bankhead Photo from Broadway Photographs

Will Rodgers Photo by Herman Mishkin with a Studio at 42nd St and Fifth Ave, NYC, blocks from the Mehron Melik Loft
Photographs from Broadway Photographs, Dr. David S. Shields