Archives West Finding Aid
Table of Contents
Florence Bean James photograph collection, circa 1920s-1955
Overview of the Collection
- Collector
- James, Florence Bean, 1892-1988
- Title
- Florence Bean James photograph collection
- Dates
- circa 1920s-1955 (inclusive)19201955
circa 1955 (bulk)19551955 - Quantity
- 11 photographic prints (1 folder) ; various sizes
- Collection Number
- PH1208
- Summary
- Photographs of Florence Bean James and others
- Repository
-
University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections
University of Washington Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA
98195-2900
Telephone: 2065431929
Fax: 2065431931
speccoll@uw.edu - Access Restrictions
-
The collection is open to the public.
- Languages
- English
Biographical NoteReturn to Top
Florence Bean James, along with her husband Burton W. James, were founders of the Seattle Repertory Playhouse and played a central role in the city’s theatrical life for nearly 30 years. They arrived in 1923, coaxed west from New York to teach drama and produce plays at the Cornish School. They established the Repertory Playhouse (not to be confused with the Seattle Repertory Theatre) five years later. Their reputation was tarnished and their theatre forced out of business after they became targets of the Washington State Legislative Committee on Un-American Activities, headed by Representative Albert Canwell, in 1948. After Burton’s death in 1951, Florence James accepted a position as a drama instructor at the Saskatchewan School of the Arts. In 1953, she joined the Saskatchewan Arts Board as drama consultant, holding that position until 1968. She was instrumental in the founding of the acclaimed Globe Theatre in Regina, Saskatchewan. She was much honored for her work in Canada, receiving, among other awards, the Legion of Honor Medal, the Queen’s Silver Medal, and the Diplôme d’Honneur from the Canadian Conference of the Arts. She died in Regina on January 18, 1988, at age 95.
Content DescriptionReturn to Top
Use of the CollectionReturn to Top
Alternative Forms Available
View the digital version of the collection.
Restrictions on Use
Restrictions may exist on reproduction, quotation, or publication. Contact Special Collections, University of Washington Libraries for details.
Administrative InformationReturn to Top
Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top
Florence Bean JamesReturn to Top
Container(s) | Description | Dates | |
---|---|---|---|
Folder | item | ||
1 | 1 |
Florence Bean James
Richard Erickson
(photographer)
|
circa 1930s |
1 | 2 |
Paul Robeson, Florence B. James and Jerry J.
O'Connell
Gil Baker
(photographer)
Written on verso: Paul Robeson, Florence Bean James (Seattle
Repertory Playhouse), Jerry J. O'Connell, former cong. Montana, former sec King
Co. Democratic Party, Ex-sec Progressive Party, WA.
|
circa 1940s |
Saskatchewan Summer School of the Arts (S.S.S.A)Return to Top
Photographs probably taken by professional photographer working for National Film Board of Canada.
Container(s) | Description | Dates | |
---|---|---|---|
Folder | item | ||
1 | 3 | circa 1955 | |
1 | 4-8 | circa 1955 | |
1 | 9 | circa 1955 | |
1 | 10-11 | circa 1955 |
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Personal Names
- James, Florence Bean, 1892-1988--Photographs
- Robeson, Paul, 1898-1976--Photographs
Corporate Names
- Saskatchewan Summer School for the Arts
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Visual Materials Collections (University of Washington)