Robert Edmond Jones Photographs, undated

Collection number: MC 387
Size: 2 boxes (0.66 cu.ft.)

About Robert Edmond Jones (1887-1954)

Robert Edmond Jones , set designer, was born in Milton, N.H. He graduated from Harvard University in 1910 and, after a brief period in New York as a costume designer, went to Europe and began practicing scenic design. He studied in Berlin under Max Reinhardt at Deutsches Theater. With the outbreak of World War II Jones returned to the United States where he was associated with plays, masques, operas, ballets, films, musical comedies, and other theatrical enterprises as designer, director, or producer. He published several books about theatre arts, including Drawings Robert Edmond Jones (1887-1954) for the Theatre (1925) and The Dramatic Imagination: Reflections and Speculations on the Art of the Theatre (1941). For further information, see The Theatre of Robert Edmond Jones, edited by Ralph Pendleton (1958).

About the Robert Edmond Jones Photographs, undated

The collection consists of approximately 200 images. Most of the images are photographs, some of which were taken by Jones, photostats, and magazine clippings. These materials were apparently collected by Jones for reference when designing sets. Also included are a sketch for a set design and Jones’s address book.

Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

This collection is open.

Copyright Notice

Contents of this collection are governed by U.S. copyright law. For questions about publication or reproduction rights, contact Special Collections staff.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], [Folder], [Box], Robert Edmond Jones Photographs, undated, MC 387, Milne Special Collections and Archives, University of New Hampshire Library, Durham, NH, USA.

Acquisitions Information

Donation: Elizabeth Jones, June 12, 1969 (Accession number: 004)

Collection Contents

Series 1: Architecture

Subseries A: General

Contains black and white photographs believed to have been taken by Jones, with captions in his hand on the back of each

Box 1
Box 1, Folder 1Images 1-5
  • 1. ″Temple in Rome.” (3.5 x 3.5)
  • 2. “This picture (though not in focus), taken at sunset, brings back to me a lot of the mystery, immortality, and loneliness of the Palatine Hill in Rome.” (8 x 9)
  • 3. “This was all there when you saw Rome, but was the monstrous memorial to Victor Emanuel in the background?” (7.5 x 8.5)
  • 4. “Vesuvius was not active at Pompeii during our visit, but you could always imagine.” (7.5 x 8.75)
  • 5. “Upper church at Assisi. (Yes, the arcade leading to the lower church is one of the most beautiful examples of architecture we saw.” (7.75 x 9)
Box 1, Folder 2Images 1-4
  • 1. “Orvieto, magnificent facade!! Sunday service has just let out and Hallee stands with the ever-present notebook, watching. Somehow one wishes the people came out through a door like that in beautiful costumes.” (7.5 x 9)
  • 2. “View from old window in Florence.” (8 x 8)
  • 3. “Oxford.” (7.75 x 9.25)
  • 4. “Remember? Amiens. Every building behind me and to my left completely flattened for half a mile or more, but the cathedral untouched.” (7.75 x 9.5)
Box 1, Folder 3Images 1-5
  • 1. “Magnificent.” (castle on a hill) (7.25 x 8.75)
  • 2. “This survived – and probably always will.” (Tower of London) (7.75 x 8.75
  • 3. “Byzantine mosaics, Ravenna, St. Apollinare in Classe. For its austerity and lack of subsequent alteration one of the loveliest churches in Europe.” (7.75 x 8)
  • 4. “Hallee at Chartres North portal.” (8 x 9)
  • 5. “Confirmation at Chartres.” (7.5 x 8.75)
Box 1, Folder 4Images 1-5: Venice
  • 1. 725 Venezia. Palazzo Ducale – Tintoretto – Il Paradiso Rip. Int.- Venezia
  • 2. 11501 Venezia. Sala del Senato – Palazzo Ducale – Ripr. Int.- Anderson- Roma
  • 3. 11502 Venezia. Sala Del Collegio – Palazzo Ducale – Anderson – Roma
  • 4. 13656 Venezia – Interno della Cancelleria – Scuola di S.Rocco – Anderson – Roma
  • 5. 29564 Taorimina – Palazzo Corvaja-Lato nord (XV)- (Stab. D. Anderson 1929)
Box 1, Folder 5Images 1-5
  • 1. 29930 Trapini – Chiesa di S. Agostino-Fiancata e campanile – (sec. XIV)- (Stab. D. Anderson 1930)
  • 2. 30788 Castel del Monto – Il castello (Epoca Sveva sec. XIII) – (Stab. D. Anderson 1931)
  • 3. 30815 Lecco – Chiesa di S. Nicolo e Cataldo – Parte superiore (Arch. Normanna 1180)- (Stab. D. Anderson 1931)
  • 4. 30841 Monte Sant’Angelo – Chiesa di S. Maria Maggiore – La facciata (Sec. XII)-(Stab. D. Anderson 1931)
  • 5. O. Böhm – 1043-Venezia-Cortile Gotico ai Miracoli
Box 1, Folder 6Images 1-4
  • 1. (Edicione Alinari) P.e2.a No. 5314 Assisi – Umbria. Chiesa inferiore di S. Francesco. It ritorno di Gesu Cristo alla casa paterna. (Giotto di Bondone)
  • 2. (Edicione P.e l.a No. 12748 Vicenza – Basilica o Palazzo della Ragione. (Palladio)
  • 3. (Edicione P.e l.a No. 12748 Vicenza – Loggia Bernarda, ora Palazzo Comunale. (Disegno di Andrea Palladio)
  • 4. (Edicione P.e l.a No. 15450 Parma-Il Battistero. (XII e XIII Sceolo)
Box 1, Folder 7Images 1-2: Italy

Contains photographs from professional sources with printed captions on the front of each. All are 8 x 10, black and white prints

  • 1. (Edicione P.e l.a No. 15492 Parma – Teatro Farnese. Veduta dell’ Interno. (Giambattista Aleotti. 1618.)
  • 2. (Edicione Alinari) No. 32356 Venezia – Palazzo Ducale. Sala dei Dieci. (XVI. Secolo)
Box 1, Folder 8Images 1-7; Asia

Contains black and white negative prints with printed captions, nearly all of which are examples of Asian architecture

  • 1. Summer Palace (6 x 9)
  • 2. Gallery in Summer Palace (6 x 9)
  • 3. Black Temple (6 x 9)
  • 4. Temple of Confucius (6 x 9)
  • 5. Theatrebuhne Tzeliutsing, Prov. Szech’uan (7 x 10)
  • 6. Interior view of Ch’in Ts’an Tien (7 x 10)
  • 7. Alabaster Buddha in Ch’eng Kuang Tien (7 x 10)
Box 1, Folder 9Images 1-6; Asia

Contains black and white negative prints with printed captions, nearly all of which are examples of Asian architecture. All are 8 x 10

  • 1. Peiping Lama Temple (Yung Ho Kung)
  • 2. Yu lang (The Floating Gallery)
  • 3. Ch’eng Wang Fu. Interior view of Ancestral Hall
  • 4. Prov. Shansi (3 photos on one page)
  • 5. Prov. Szech’uan. Shansi(4 photos on one page)
  • 6. Uncertain School, about 1500 Portico with relief of Romulus & Remus
Box 1, Folder 10Images 1-5

Contains miscellaneous black and white photographs with only partial identification

  • 1. Saeniedan 2531 stamped: National Gallery of London, reproduction of a painting (6 x 8)
  • 2. Bikiena 936 stamped: National Gallery of London, reproduction of a painting (6 x 8)
  • 3. Venezia – Galleria Querini T. Laupolia G. Bella – Giudiccio dei Rei Nella
  • 4. Quaranttia Criminale. Reproduction of a painting (6 x 9)
  • 5. Venezia – Galleria Querini – T.Lampolia G. Bella. Tribunl Supremo. Reproduction of painting (7 x 9)
Box 1, Folder 11Contains unidentified prints
  • 1. Tower, clipping from magazine (4 x 6)
  • 2. Theatre facing stage (7 x 9). Photograph by Laura Gilpin, Colorado Springs, CO
  • 3. Photo of sketch showing 3 religious (?) persons around a table (7 x 9)
  • 4. Photo of painting, round building on hill in background, banner in foreground says something about Caesar (6 x 7)
  • 5. Reproduction of painting, large hall full of people, central column, orchestra to one side, & what looks like dining tables around the sides of the hall (5 x 7)
  • 6. Ruins of Roman Coliseum. Photo may be snapshot taken by Jones (3.5 x 3.5)
  • 7. Reproduction of painting, large hall with balconies on either side, ballroom (?) Sepia-print (5 x 8)

Subseries B: Details

Box 1, Folder 12Images 1-7

Contains black and white photographs believed to have been taken by Jones with captions in his hand on the back of each

  • 1. “Chartres Abraham (4th from the rt.) is my favorite.” (Snapshot) (3.25 x 3.25). Statues of saints
  • 2. “Florence Michaelangelo (copy) Cellini just as you told us standing in the square.” (8 x 9). Statue of David
  • 3.“Florence” (7.5 x 9) Statues & arches
  • 4. “St. Marks, Venice, Our first view was at night – Lit by floodlights – so beautiful.” (7.5 x 7.5)
  • 5. “Old carved stone in Church at Torcello, near Venice.” (8 x 9)
  • 6. “Trojan’s column, quite grand” (7.75 x 8.75). Intricately carved stone column
  • 7. “Petit Trianon, Versailles” (7.75 x 8.75). Ionic column
Box 1, Folder 13Images 1-7

Contains black and white 8 x 10 photographs from professional sources with printed captions on the front of each

  • 1. O. Böhm – 2580 – Venezia – Palazzo Ducale – Sala degli Scarlatti (particolare)
  • 2. O. Böhm – 3192 – Venezia-San Marco-Riccuimento del.corpo di San Marco Mus
  • 3. 22880 – Venezia – Partic. della spalliera nel Salone della Scuola di S. Rocco – Pianta Francesco Ripr. Int. -Anderson – Roma
  • 4. 29278 – Siracusa – Duomo – Le Colonne del Tempio di Athena (V.a.C.)- (Stab. D. Anderson 1929)
  • 5. 29566 – Taormina – Palazzo Corvaja – Finestra bifora nel cortile (XV)- (Stab. D. Anderson 1929)
  • 6. (Edicione Alinari) No. 38960 Venezia – Grand Hotel Dettaglia del Salone Sansovinesco
Box 1, Folder 14Images 1-4

Contains miscellaneous partially identified black and white photographs and a couple of unidentified ones

  • 1. “Sassetta” 4761 Reproduction of painting, National Gallery of London (2 copies) (5 x 8)
  • 2. “113 Patnids” (4 x 7)
  • 3. Reproduction of painting or drawing of winged horse and handler – Pegasus? Has several different addresses on verso (4 x 7)
  • 4. Simple column (6 x 9)

Series 2: Street Scenes

Box 1
Box 1, Folder 15Images 1-5

Contains black and white photographs believed to have been taken by Jones, with captions in his hand on the reverse

  • 1. “You remember” – Venice cityscape, with gondola in foreground (3.5 x 3.5)
  • 2. “Grand Canal” (3.5 x 3.5)
  • 3. “View from our hotel window in Venice” (3.5 x 3.5)
  • 4. “Neptune fountain Versailles” (7 x 9)
  • 5. “Pompeii” (8 x 9)
Box 1, Folder 16Images 1-4: Street Scenes

Contains unidentified black and white photographs of street scenes

  • 1. “6138 30+30″ Photo by Ira Current (7 x 11)
  • 2. Houses & streets on a hillside, (2 copies) (8 x 10)
  • 3. Houses & streets on a hillside (8 x 10)
  • 4. Couple descending staircase in foreground, streets & houses on hillside in background (8 x 10)
Box 1, Folder 17Images 1-7: Street Scenes

Contains black and white photographic reproductions of paintings and engravings of street scenes, several of which were produced by professional studios

  • 1. O.Böhm – 2035 – Venezia-Accademia 568 – Gentile Bellini-Miracolo della Croce a San Lorenzo (8 x 10)
  • 2. O.Böhm – 2060 – Venezia-Accademia 566 – Carpaccio Vittore – Miracolo della Croce (8 x 10)
  • 3. O.Böhm – 2112 – Venezia – Accademia564 – Giovanni
  • 4. Mansueti-Miracolo della Croce in Campo San Lio (8 x 10)
  • 5. “Beccafuni 1430″ stamped National Gallery, London (4 x 8)
  • 6. Stamped: La riproduzione di questa fo Fotografia senza preventivo permesso e vietata O.Böhm – editore Venezia (8 x 10) 2 photos on 1 page
  • 7. “Illus. London News.” Peking a hundred years ago: an old Chinese picture of a commercial quarter of the former imperial capital of China (Negative, b & w photostat. 6 x 9)

Series 3: Landscapes

Box 1
Box 1, Folder 18Images 1-2

Contains black and white photographs believed to have been taken by Jones, with captions in his hand on the back of each

  • 1. “Taken from Capri (as beautiful as you said!) with Sorrento in distant background.” (8 x 8)
  • 2. “Hallee in Dolomites” (7.75 x 9) (8 x 9)
Box 1, Folder 19Images 1-3: Unidentified landscape photographs
  • 1. Stamped: Photograph by Ira Current 6137 40 (7 x 11)
  • 2. Stamped: Photograph by Ira Current 6494 80 (7 x 11)
  • 3. Photograph by Ira Current(?) (7 x 11)
Box 1, Folder 20Images 1-8: Artwork

Contains black and white photographic reproductions of paintings, etchings, etc.

  • 1. Evening scene with sailboats and windmill stamped: National Gallery, London (5 x 8)
  • 2. Woodcut of jagged mountains (8 x 9)
  • 3. The fifth plague of Egypt the picture late in the profession of W. Beckford, Esq [rest of caption illegible] (8 x 11). Autotype facsimile
  • 4. (illegible caption) Autotype facsimile, sailing ships being unloaded. (8 x ll)
  • 5. (illegible caption) Autotype facsimile, jagged mount in, maybe shoreline? (8 x ll)
  • 6. (illegible caption) Autotype facsimile, cows in pasture (8 x ll)
  • 7. The moving Moon went up the sky. Sailing ship on open sea, by G. Doris? (10 x 13)
  • 8. The ship drove fast, loud roared the blast, and southward aye we fled. Ship on open water during storm, by G.Doris (10 x 13)

Series 4: Actors

Box 1
Box 1, Folder 21Images 1-10

Contains mostly negative photostats taken from various sources concerning the famous Chinese actor, Mei Lan-Fang

  • 1. Mei Lan-Fang in various roles – three photographs on one page (8.5 x 13)
  • 2. China’s greatest actor (Mei Lan-Fang) (3.5 x 5)
  • 3. Mei Lan-Fang (5 x 8)
  • 4. Mei Lan-Fang as heroine of The Jade Hairpin (5 x 8)
  • 5. In episode from “The Suspected Slipper” (6 x 9)
  • 6. From “The End of the Tiger General” (6.5 x 9)
  • 7. As princess in “The End of the Tiger General” (6 x 9)
  • 8. In “Dance of the Heavenly Maid Scattering Flowers”
  • 9. Mei Lan-Fang playing 5 different characters – on one page (5 x 9; 7 x 10)
  • 10. Mei Lan-Fang proved to be “Foremost of the Pear Orchard” in play “The Suspected Slipper” (8 x 11). Another Chinese “female” character (3.5 x 5.5)

Series 5: Characters and Personalities

Box 2
Box 2, Folder 1Images 1-5: Asian Characters

Contains mainly black and white negative photostats of Asian characters

  • 1. King Henry V 545, National Portrait Gallery, London. Reproduction of painting (5 x 8)
  • 2. La Theodora Chinoise. From L’Illustration, Juin 20, 1908 (9 x 9)
  • 3. Dowager Empress of China (5 x 8)
  • 4. Empress mother of Tsu Tsu, now Empress Dowager. Reproduction of painting (5 x 8)
  • 5. Portrait of Late Empress-Dowager of China (9 x 11)
Box 2, Folder 2Images 1-7: Asian characters

Contains mainly black and white negative photostats of Asian characters

  • 1. Descendant of Confucius, Prince Kung Teh-Cheng (5.5 x 8.5)
  • 2. Imperial Prince Kung (5 x 8)
  • 3. Portrait of Chu Ko Liang, statesman, Han Dynasty Palace Museum, Peking (5 x 11)
  • 4. Portrait of Chang Liang, statesman, Han Dynasty (5 x 11)
  • 5. Portrait of Yao Kwang Hsiao, statesman, of Ming Dynasty (7 x ll)
  • 6. Portrait of Li Kao Yuan, stateman, of Tong Dynasty (4 x ll)
  • 7. Detail from Scroll – 11th emperor Wu Ti of Chou Dynasty (9 x 13)
Box 2, Folder 3Images 1-4

Contains mainly black and white negative photostats of Asian characters

  • 1. The abbot of the monastery (7 x 9)
  • 2. A learned monk (7 x 10)
  • 3. Taoist medicant friar (7 x 10)
  • 4. Procession of monks going to prayers (7 x 8)
Box 2, Folder 4Images 1-9

Contains mainly black and white negative photostats of Asian characters

  • 1. “A T’ang Lady.” Reproduction of painting by Chou Wang Kying (4 x 13)
  • 2. Blind beggar woman (7 x 10)
  • 3. Barbar (7 x 10)
  • 4. Garlic Dealer (7 x 10)
  • 5. Rag Collector (7 x 10)
  • 6. New Year’s greeting (7 x 10)
  • 7. Lute-player in a tea-house
  • 8. Lute-player

Series 6: Costumes

Box 2
Box 2, Folder 5Images 1-4

Contains black and white reproductions of paintings done by studios

  • 1. O.Böhm – 752 – Venezia – Ca d’Oro – Scuola italiana sec. XV -Ritratto di Laura. (8 x 10)
  • 2. O.Böhm – 2245 – Venezia – Accademia – 240 – Jacopo Rubusti Tintoretto – Ritratti di due senatori. (Good example of heavy robes, worn by elders.) (7.75 x 10.25). Blind beggar woman (7 x 10)
  • 3. 13613 – Venezia – Ritratto di Nicolo Priuli – Tintoretto – Palazzo Ducale – Anderson, Roma. (Good example of heavy robe.) (8 x 10)
  • 4. Venezia R.R. Gallerie – Vreonese Paolo – Sposalizio di S.Caterina Ediz. Florentini Venezia. On verso: no.51 Cav. Pietro Florentini S. Marce – Calle S. Basso 308A – Venezia (Example of drapery). (7 x 9)
Box 2
Box 2, Folder 6Images 1-12: Reproductions of paintings
  • 1. Paintings – Bastien – Lepage. 1092. (Peasant Woman) (5 x 7)
  • 2. (Group of women in peasant clothing spinning and weaving) (5 x 9.5)
  • 3. (Bearded man in baggy pants and loose fitting jacket) (7 x 9)
  • 4. (Bearded man in arm chair in dark heavy robe) (8 x 9.5)
  • 5. (Bearded man in heavy red robe and hat. Russian?)
  • 6. Color print,taken from a book or magazine? (7 x 9)
  • 7. (Virgin Mary holding dying Jesus. Good example of light on draperies.)Color print taken from a book or magazine? (8 x 9). Top right corner cut out
  • 8. (Several men conversing. Detail of clothing, drapery) Color print taken from a book or magazine? (7.5 x 9
  • 9. (Asian man in long robe and hat.) (7 x 8)
  • 10. (Asian man with knee pads and holding what looks like a percussion instrument.) (8.5 x 8.5)
  • 11. Court of the Winter Palace – “Her Majesty Comes.” (good examples of Asian court attire.) (5 x 8)
  • 12. “Costumes of the Chinese Stage.” (copy of text – unknown source) (8 x 11)

Series 7: Props

Box 2
Box 2, Folder 7Images 1-9
  • 1. (Photograph of Michelangelo’s David – photo believed to have been taken by Jones) (7.75 x 9)
  • 2. (Spinning wheel, cut from a book or magazine) (2.5 x 4)
  • 3. (Spinning wheel, cut from a book or magazine) (3.75 x 3.5)
  • 4. (Reproduction of painting. Early America woman in kitchen near fireplace, basket of apples, spinning wheel to right hand side) (5 x 7)
  • 5. (Early American woman on porch using spinning wheel) (5 x 5)
  • 6. O.Böhm – 2623 – Venezia – Palazzo Ducale – Jacobello del Fiore – Il Leone di S. Marco. (Winged lion with open book) (8 x 10)
  • 7. O.Böhm – 643 – Venezia – Ca’ d’Oro – G. Buonconsigli – Il Leone de San Marco. (Winged lion with open book, and four persons) (8 x 10)
  • 8. (Edicione Alinari) P.e 2.a No.13546 Venezia – Palazzo Ducale, Appartmento del Dodge. Il Leone di S. Marco (V.Carpaccio)(Winged lion) (8 x 10)
  • 9. 14764 – Venezia – Leone di S. Marco-Iacobello del Fiore – Palazzo Ducale – Anderson, Roma ( Winged Lion) Sepia-toned, albumen print. (8 x 10)
Box 2, Folder 8Images 1-9
  • 1. Stamped: Photograph by Snow. (Bar with mirror and false porticles containing statues painted on walls) (7 x 10)
  • 2. Stamped: Photograph by Snow. (Same room, as above, another wall showing dining tables and false porticles containing statues.) (7 x 9)
  • 3. Stamped: Photograph by Snow. (Detail of false porticles containing statues.) (7 x 10)
  • 4. On verso – 2826 stamped: La riproduzione di questa fotografia senza preventivo permesso e vietata O Bohm – editore – Venezia (Detail of elaborately carved panel with a battle scene painted in the center of it.) (8 x 10)
  • 5. 3253 Venezia, Museo Civico Correr. Stemma del Doge L. Manin (Rip. int.) C. Naya Venezia. (Detail of coat of arms) (8 x 10)
  • 6. 3252 – Museo Civico Correr. Rip. Int.-C. Naya- Venezia. (Detail of coat of arms) Sepia-toned, albumen print, mounted on cardboard (7.5 x 10)
  • 7. 105 – Trois nefs de bande dans une tempete de la suite de “Vaisseaaux de mer.” Reproduction of drawing or engraving, sailing ships (7 x 8)
  • 8. Probably Venetian, about 1470-1480. A ship under sail (reproduction of drawing or engraving) (7 x 9)
  • 9. (Elaborately carved seat outside of the Kupelian Studios) (6 x 10)
Box 2, Folder 9Images 1-9
  • 1. (Seated Asian woman (drinking wine?) various pieces of furniture and other items featured. Reproduction of painting) (7.5 x 7.75)
  • 2. (Asian woman with flowering plants, featuring various vases and pots of flowers, plus a rectangular bench) (8 x 9)
  • 3. (Asian woman seated in a carved chair, playing a musical instrument. There are plants on carved table and a parrot on a swing) (9 x ll)
  • 4. (Two copies of photo of decorated Asian cabinet) (7 x 9.5)
  • 5. (Two photographs of one page of two Asian carved chairs) (7 x 9.5)
  • 6. (Asian carved bench) (7 x 9.5)
  • 7. New Year’s Blossoms. (Asian man with New Year’s Blossoms) (6.5 x 9.75)
  • 8. Bedroom of Empress Dowager Tzu Hsi in summer palace at Peiping. (Caption on print goes into detailed description) (8.5 x 10.5)
  • 9. Throne room of Empress Dowager Tzu Hsi in summer palace at Peiping. (Caption on print goes into detailed description) (8.5 x 10.5)

Series 8: Plays

Box 2
Box 2, Folder 10Images 1-3
  • 1. Scene from Wagner’s opera The Flying Dutchman, at the Lyceum Theater. Reproduction of drawing or engraving (7 x 9)
  • 2. (Photo taken of unidentified play in progress – religious? man and others reading a document) (8 x 10)
  • 3. (Photo of unidentified play in progress – melancholy woman seated at elaborate bench) (11 x 13)

Series 9: Miscellaneous

Box 2, Folder 11Images 1-4; Address book
  • 1. Sketch for unidentified set design believed to have been rendered by Jones. B/W watercolor mounted on cardboard
  • 2. Series of 11 b&w 8 x 10 glossy photographs, taken of The Central City Opera House, Central City, Colorado, where Jones worked for a time. Photos show the opera house before and after revival. Also in several of the photographs, billboards can be seen advertizing the plays Camille, featuring Miss Lillian Gish, and Othello with Walter Huston
  • 3. Western Union telegram to The Misses Jones from the Board of Director League of Composers International Society of Contemporary Music United States Section Inc. extending sympathy after her husband’s death; Book: “A Catalog of Window Cornices” by Hicks Gallery, Inc.
  • 4. Address book belonging to R.E. Jones
Finding Aid Image TEMP
  • Drawing of Jones