Design
“Crazy” costume capture Olivier for McKintosh
The 2012 Olivier awards have come and gone. As usual it’s a great gathering together in honor of all things theatrical that have happened in London over the past season. And (unlike The Tony’s which are very Broadway centric) the Oliviers take in a wide spectrum. This year a special nod went to the English National Opera…and the outdoor theatre in Regent’s Park stepped up for its third Olivier. This year for Peter McKintosh’s riotous pastels for “Crazy for You”
According to the official Olivier site:
McKintosh described the production as “the highlight of my career. Working in Regent’s Park is the most extraordinary, special experience.”
The experienced designer, whose credits also include current productions Noises Off and The 39 Steps, and recent shows Death And The Maiden, Luise Miller and Butley, was previously nominated in 2010 for his work on … Read More »
Bruno Poet making the NT “Frankenstein” glow…and taking home the Olivier
Bruno Poet has walked away from the 2012 Oliviers with the Best Lighting award. And if you had the great good fortune to see either the production in London or at a high-def cinema near you as part of the National Theatre Live series, you’ll know exactly why. It was a spectacular achievement in the midst of a spectacular production. Every single moment, right down to the sky cloud of golden glowing tungsten sources was perfection.
For lots of the technical details, check out ET Now’s article . Favorite quote in the article proves once again that you just can’t beat tungsten:
Conceived by Boyle, set designer Mark Tildesley and lighting designer Bruno Poet it was intended to “represent the forces of electricity harnessed by Frankenstein, and to provide a dazzling light for the moment the creature is born and opens his eyes for … Read More »
Colorful celebrations for Mary Blair and her designs
The Academy of Motion Pictures pulled together a great symposium in honor of Mary Blair’s centenary. The only female in the gang of Disney’s “9 Old Men” Blair’s unmistakably bold and colorful designs continue to inspire and influence artists in all areas of animation today.
Although Mary Blair (1911-1978) is perhaps best known for the design of Disneyland’s “it’s a small world” attraction and park murals, her concept artwork for “Cinderella,” “Alice in Wonderland” and “Peter Pan” in the 1950s, as well as for earlier short subjects, reflects her unique sensibility and lasting influence on animation.
The roundtable disussion included a number of Disney designers talking about Blair’s influence
Michael Giaimo, a character designer for “The Brave Little Toaster” and “FernGully: The Last Rainforest,” as well as the art director for “Pocahontas” and a visual development artist for “Home on the Range.”
Eric Goldberg, … Read More »
Sonia Delaunay’s Fabric Designs on display at the Cooper-Hewitt
3.19.2011
Some people think of her as a painter. Others know she’s the wife of artist Robert Delaunay. But in reality she is a multi-talented 20th century artist icon. And for designers it’s her work in fabric design that is full of inspiration. Color Moves: Art and Fashion by Sonia Delaunay is on view at the Cooper-Hewitt in New York through June 5.
Roberta Smith writing in the New York Time has pull together an incisive and illumination account of Delalunay’s life, art, and impact on fashion saying,
“In 1917, while the Delaunays were sitting out World War I in Portugal, the Russian Revolution wiped out Sonia’s allowance, and she put down her paintbrushes and turned to work as a designer in order to support her family. In essence, she began to funnel her abstract vocabulary into an array of endeavors that ranged widely … Read More »
Bunny Christie on Olivier award winning The White Guard production design
3.15.2011
Our fabulous friends at the National Theatre have created an amazing video resource on the inspiration of The White Guard. Designer Bunny Christie recalls her inspiration for The White Guard’s set. Lindsay Tufnell, a scenic artist, explains the painting techniques used to bring Bunny Christie’s designs to life. Additionally on this page you’ll find a link to another video on the set movement and mechanics which also includes input from Lyttelton Stage Operations Manager: Stuart Robertson
2011 Costume Design Olivier goes to Hildegard Bechtler
Photo: Time Out
After the Dance at the Lyttelton garnered the Best Costume Design at the 2011 Olivier Awards.
Other nominees were
Lez Brotherston’s oh so trendy and chic work for the Old Vic’s revival of Design for Living.
Mark Thompson who had alot of fun with the National’s revisal of London Assurance.
And, Bob Crowley for Phantom Part II: Love Never Dies.
