Jones, Robert Edmund

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Robert Edmond Jones was born in 1887, and spent his career as a theater set designer. He also worked on the production of early Technicolor films as a color consultant. As a stage designer, Jones is best known for his simplified sets that complemented the action of a production and his dramatic use of color in costuming and lighting.

From the description of Robert Edmond Jones papers, 1916 - 1963. (Wesleyan University). WorldCat record id: 299159602

Jones graduated from Harvard in 1910 and was an American theatrical and motion picture designer.

From the description of Additional papers, 1911-1946 (inclusive), 1941-1946 (bulk). (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 612794351

From the guide to the Robert Edmond Jones additional papers, 1911-1946 inclusive, 1941-1946 bulk., (Harvard Theatre Collection, Houghton Library, Harvard College Library, Harvard University)

American stage designer.

From the description of Autograph letters signed (2) : Culver City, Ca. and [at sea], to Stark Young, 1937 Feb. 20 and [no year] Mar. 15. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270871164

Robert Edmond Jones studied painting and drawing at Harvard University. In 1913, Jones went to Europe and began to experiment in scene design. He returned to the United States in 1915 and designed scenes and costumes for performances in New York and in 1934 he designed the first color motion picture for Pioneer Pictures, La Cucaracha.

From the description of Robert Edmond Jones collection 1910s-1954?. (University of Minnesota, Minneapolis). WorldCat record id: 298774715

Jones graduated from Harvard in 1910 and was an American theatrical and motion-picture designer.

From the description of Costume and set designs, 1923. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 77866161

From the description of Additional papers, 1933-1952. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 83858328

From the description of Papers, 1913-1954 (inclusive), 1930-1950 (bulk). (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 612794378

From the guide to the Robert Edmond Jones additional papers, 1933-1952 and undated., (Harvard Theatre Collection, Houghton Library, Harvard College Library, Harvard University)

From the guide to the Robert Edmond Jones costume and set designs, 1923., (Harvard Theatre Collection, Houghton Library, Harvard College Library, Harvard University)

From the guide to the Papers, 1913-1954, bulk 1930-1950., (Harvard Theatre Collection, Houghton Library, Harvard College Library, Harvard University)

Artist.

From the description of Autograph letters signed (3) : [n.p.], to Herbert J. Seligmann, 1911-1930. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270871167

Robert Edmond Jones was born in Milton, New Hampshire and attended Harvard University. Jones became an innovative force in modern set design for the American theatre. He also designed for opera and dance and was named Radio City Music Hall's first art director in 1932. Jones died at his birthplace at the age of 67.

From the guide to the Robert Edmond Jones designs and originals, 1913-1943, (The New York Public Library. Billy Rose Theatre Division.)

Robert Edmond Jones (1887-1954), stage scenic designer, director, author, and motion picture production designer, collaborated on several stage productions with puppet designer and puppeteer Remo Bufano (d. 1948). After collaborating on a production of OEDIPUS REX in the early 1930s, the two men corresponded about a number of other potential projects over the ensuing years, most of which, it would appear, did not come to fruition. In the theater, Mr. Jones was closely identified with the work of Eugene O'Neill, and also designed and/or directed THE GREEN PASTURES (1930) and OTHELLO (1934). Both men found work in motion pictures, Mr. Jones designing such early Technicolor films as BECKY SHARP (1935) and THE DANCING PIRATE (1936), while Mr. Bufano contributed puppetry to the Fred Astaire musical YOLANDA AND THE THIEF (1945). Mr. Bufano had plans to bring puppetry to television in its early days, but died in 1948.

From the guide to the Robert Edmond Jones correspondence, 1930-1941, (The New York Public Library. Billy Rose Theatre Division.)

Robert Edmond Jones (1887-1954), stage scenic designer, director, author, and motion picture production designer, collaborated on several stage productions with puppet designer and puppeteer Remo Bufano (d. 1948).

After collaborating on a production of OEDIPUS REX in the early 1930s, the two men corresponded about a number of other potential projects over the ensuing years, most of which, it would appear, did not come to fruition. In the theater, Mr. Jones was closely identified with the work of Eugene O'Neill, and also designed and/or directed THE GREEN PASTURES (1930) and OTHELLO (1934). Both men found work in motion pictures, Mr. Jones designing such early Technicolor films as BECKY SHARP (1935) and THE DANCING PIRATE (1936), while Mr. Bufano contributed puppetry to the Fred Astaire musical YOLANDA AND THE THIEF (1945). Mr. Bufano had plans to bring puppetry to television in its early days, but died in 1948.

From the description of Robert Edmond Jones correspondence, 1930-1941. (New York Public Library). WorldCat record id: 122430728

Robert Edmond Jones was born in Milton, New Hampshire and attended Harvard University.

Jones became an innovative force in modern set design for the American theatre. He also designed for opera and dance and was named Radio City Music Hall's first art director in 1932. Jones died at his birthplace at the age of 67.

From the description of Robert Edmond Jones designs and originals, 1913-1943. (New York Public Library). WorldCat record id: 704267139

Archival Resources
Role Title Holding Repository
referencedIn Eugene O'Neill papers, 1872-1970, 1930-1959 Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library
creatorOf Carpenter, John Alden, 1876-1951. John Alden Carpenter papers, 1890-1964, (bulk 1900-1950). Newberry Library
referencedIn Harmon, David P., 1918-2001. Papers, 1941-1964. Wisconsin Historical Society, Newspaper Project
referencedIn Papers for Three designers for the contemporary theatre exhibition, 1915-1954 (inclusive), 1950 (bulk). Harvard Theater Collection, Houghton Library, Harvard College Library, Harvard University
creatorOf Jones, Robert Edmond, 1887-1954. Papers, 1913-1954 (inclusive), 1930-1950 (bulk). Houghton Library
creatorOf Jones, Robert Edmond, 1887-1954. Robert Edmond Jones papers, 1916 - 1963. Wesleyan University, Olin Library
creatorOf Jones, Robert Edmond, 1887-1954. Robert Edmond Jones collection 1910s-1954?. University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
creatorOf Reis, Claire R. (Claire Raphael). Letters to Claire Reis, 1926-1961. New York Public Library System, NYPL
referencedIn Geddes, Norman Bel, 1893-1958. Norman Bel Geddes Theater and Industrial Design Papers, 1873-1964 (bulk 1914-1958). Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center
referencedIn Miscellaneous theatrical set designs, 1661-1975 and undated. Harvard Theater Collection, Houghton Library, Harvard College Library, Harvard University
referencedIn Jo Mielziner papers, 1903-1976 The New York Public Library. Billy Rose Theatre Division.
referencedIn Luhan, Mabel Dodge, 1879-1962. Mabel Dodge Luhan collection, 1885-1984. Yale University Library
creatorOf Browne, Maurice, 1881-1955. Ellen Van Volkenburg-Maurice Browne general correspondence, 1911- University of Michigan
referencedIn Letters to Claire Reis, 1926-1961 The New York Public Library. Billy Rose Theatre Division.
referencedIn Zahn, Anita,. Interview conducted by Oliver Daniel, Dec. 27, 1976 [sound recording]. University of Pennsylvania Libraries, Van Pelt Library
creatorOf Jones, Robert Edmond, 1887-1954. Robert Edmond Jones correspondence, 1930-1941. New York Public Library System, NYPL
creatorOf Robert E. Sherwood papers, 1917-1968 (inclusive), 1934-1955 (bulk) Harvard Theater Collection, Houghton Library, Harvard College Library, Harvard University
referencedIn Emeline Clark Roche Collection, 1815-1988 The New York Public Library. Billy Rose Theatre Division.
creatorOf Jones, Robert Edmund. Autograph letters signed (3) : [n.p.], to Herbert J. Seligmann, 1911-1930. Pierpont Morgan Library.
referencedIn Papers for Three designers for the contemporary theatre exhibition, 1950 October 16-November 25. Houghton Library
referencedIn Eunice Stoddard papers, 1913-1938 The New York Public Library. Billy Rose Theatre Division.
creatorOf Jones, Robert Edmond, 1887-1954. The drama of the future / Robert Edmond Jones. Metropolitan Museum of Art, Thomas J. Watson Library
creatorOf Jones, Robert Edmond, 1887-1954. Designs, 1933, 1951. Wisconsin Historical Society, Newspaper Project
creatorOf Jones, Robert Edmond, 1887-1954. Musical comedies. Lute song [Programs] New York Public Libraries for the Performing Arts, Dance Collection
creatorOf Jones, Robert Edmond, 1887-1954. Robert Edmond Jones Harvard lectures on the theater, 1952 May. Houghton Library
referencedIn Museum of the City of New York. Set and costume designs collection, 1869-1986, 1910-1950 (bulk). Campbell University, Wiggins Memorial Library
referencedIn John Mason Brown papers, 1922-1967. Houghton Library
referencedIn Pinkham, Harold. Letter, 1974 Sep. 3, Milton, N.H., to Edward Weber, Ann Arbor. University of Michigan
referencedIn John Alden Carpenter Collection, 1891-1961, (bulk 1900-1949) Library of Congress. Music Division
creatorOf Jones, Robert Edmond, 1887-1954. Costume and set designs, 1923. Houghton Library
creatorOf Jones, Robert Edmond, 1887-1954. Correspondence with Margaret Naumburg, 1950. University of Pennsylvania Libraries, Van Pelt Library
referencedIn Donald Oenslager papers and designs, 1922-1982 The New York Public Library. Billy Rose Theatre Division.
creatorOf Enters, Angna, 1897-1989. Correspondence, 1921-1973. New York Public Library System, NYPL
referencedIn Abel, Walter, 1898-1987. Walter Abel papers, 1900-1976, 1916-1975. New York Public Library System, NYPL
referencedIn Philadelphia Grand Opera records, 1923-1932 The New York Public Library. Music Division.
creatorOf Jones, Robert Edmond, 1887-1954. Scenic design for Camille, 1932. New York Public Library System, NYPL
referencedIn Cooke, George Frederick, 1756-1812. Promptbooks for productions of Shakespeare's King Richard the Third, 1785-1905. Houghton Library
referencedIn W. H. Crain Costume and Scenic Design Collection TXRC00-A10., ca. 1650-1993, bulk 1900-1960 Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center
creatorOf Robert Edmond Jones costume and set designs, 1923. Harvard Theater Collection, Houghton Library, Harvard College Library, Harvard University
referencedIn Walter Abel papers, 1900-1976, 1916-1975 The New York Public Library. Billy Rose Theatre Division.
referencedIn Corliss Lamont papers concerning John Reed, 1910-1967. Houghton Library
referencedIn O'Neill, Eugene, 1888-1953. Papers of Eugene O'Neill [manuscript], 1915-1940. University of Virginia. Library
creatorOf Jones, Robert Edmond, 1887-1954. Othello, Act III, Scene III [art original] : a castle in Cyprus. Denver Public Library, Central Library
creatorOf Jones, Robert Edmond, 1887-1954. Autograph letters signed (2) : Culver City, Ca. and [at sea], to Stark Young, 1937 Feb. 20 and [no year] Mar. 15. Pierpont Morgan Library.
referencedIn Mabel Dodge Luhan papers, 1859-1961, 1913-1951 Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library
referencedIn Baker, George Pierce, 1866-1935. Papers of George Pierce Baker, 1882-1926 (inclusive), 1890-1926 (bulk). Houghton Library
creatorOf Jones, Robert Edmond, 1887-1954. Ruy Blas, Act [art original]. Denver Public Library, Central Library
referencedIn Miscellaneous theatrical papers Houghton Library
creatorOf Jones, Robert Edmond, 1887-1954. Letters, to Maurice Browne, 1917-1929. University of Michigan
referencedIn Fitsch, Eugene C., 1892-1972. Theater scene lithograph, [1925]. New York Public Library System, NYPL
creatorOf Robert Edmond Jones additional papers, 1933-1952 and undated. Harvard Theater Collection, Houghton Library, Harvard College Library, Harvard University
referencedIn Dramatic Museum Realia, [18th c.]-1966. Columbia University. Rare Book and Manuscript Library
creatorOf JONES, ROBERT EDMOND. Artist file : miscellaneous uncataloged material. Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)
referencedIn Freeman, H. Lawrence (Harry Lawrence), 1869-1954. H. Lawrence Freeman papers 1870-1982 1890-1954. Columbia University in the City of New York, Columbia University Libraries
referencedIn Isaacs, Edith J. R. (Edith Juliet Rich), 1878-1956. Papers, 1889-1957. Wisconsin Historical Society, Newspaper Project
referencedIn Angna Enters correspondence, 1921-1973 The New York Public Library. Jerome Robbins Dance Division.
creatorOf Philadelphia Grand Opera Company. Philadelphia Grand Opera records, 1923-1932. New York Public Library System, NYPL
creatorOf Coburn, Charles. [Theater programs and related ephemera in the John Davis Batchelder Collection. 2. Shakespeare]. Library of Congress
creatorOf Gish, Lillian, 1893-1993. Letter : New York, to Roger Mortimer, Columbia, S.C., 31 January 1990. University of South Carolina, System Library Service, University Libraries
referencedIn Stravinsky-Diaghilev Foundation research files, 1920-1989. Harvard Theater Collection, Houghton Library, Harvard College Library, Harvard University
referencedIn Fonds Edward Gordon Craig Bibliothèque nationale de France. Département des arts du spectacle
creatorOf Robert Edmond Jones correspondence, 1930-1941 The New York Public Library. Billy Rose Theatre Division.
referencedIn Amy Lowell correspondence, 1883-1927 (inclusive), 1910-1925 (bulk). Houghton Library
referencedIn Robert Edmond Jones additional papers, 1933-1952 and undated. Harvard Theater Collection, Houghton Library, Harvard College Library, Harvard University
referencedIn Robert Edmond Jones papers Harvard Theater Collection, Houghton Library, Harvard College Library, Harvard University
referencedIn Reis, Claire R. (Claire Raphael),. Interview conducted by Oliver Daniel, Sept. 30, 1976 [sound recording]. University of Pennsylvania Libraries, Van Pelt Library
referencedIn Simon, Louis M., 1906-. Louis M. Simon papers, 1923-1965. Houghton Library
referencedIn John Reed papers, 1903-1967. Houghton Library
referencedIn Mabel Dodge Luhan collection, 1885-1984 Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library
referencedIn Theatre Arts Monthly, collection of portraits, ca., ca., 1924-1939 (bulk), 1916-1964 (inclusive). Harvard Theater Collection, Houghton Library, Harvard College Library, Harvard University
creatorOf Jones, Robert Edmond, 1887-1954. Drawing of The cherry orchard, [1922]. New York Public Library System, NYPL
creatorOf Robert Edmond Jones designs and originals, 1913-1943 The New York Public Library. Billy Rose Theatre Division.
referencedIn MacKaye, Percy, 1875-1956. Percy MacKaye papers, 1879-1956. Harvard University, Harvard Theater Collection, Harvard College Library
referencedIn Luhan, Mabel Dodge, 1879-1962. Mabel Dodge Luhan papers, 1859-1961 (bulk 1913-1951). Yale University Library
creatorOf Jones, Robert E. Scrapbooks, 1904-1906. New York State Historical Documents (Albany, N.Y.)
referencedIn Frances G. Wickes Papers, 1896-1996, (bulk 1913-1968) Library of Congress. Manuscript Division
creatorOf Jones, Robert Edmond, 1887-1954. Additional papers, 1911-1946 (inclusive), 1941-1946 (bulk). Houghton Library
referencedIn Oenslager, Donald, 1902-1975. Donald Oenslager papers and designs, 1922-1982. New York Public Library System, NYPL
referencedIn Forbes Watson papers Archives of American Art
creatorOf Robert Edmond Jones papers Harvard Theater Collection, Houghton Library, Harvard College Library, Harvard University
creatorOf Nichols, Dudley, 1895-1960. Collection relating to Eugene O'Neill (1946-1956), and his play "Mourning Becomes Electra." Copley Press, J S Copley Library
referencedIn Howard D. Rothschild collection on, Ballets Russes, of Serge Diaghilev, 1909-1956 (inclusive), 1909-1914 (bulk). Harvard Theater Collection, Houghton Library, Harvard College Library, Harvard University
creatorOf Alabama. Governor (1947-1951 : Folsom). Public relations files, 1947-1950. Alabama Department of Archives and History
referencedIn Lillian Gish papers, 1909-1992 The New York Public Library. Billy Rose Theatre Division.
creatorOf Jones, Robert Edmond, 1887-1954. Robert Edmond Jones designs and originals, 1913-1943. New York Public Library System, NYPL
creatorOf Crain, W. H. W.H. Crain Costume and Scenic Design Collection ca. 1650-1993 (bulk 1900-1960). Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center
creatorOf Johansson, Ronny. Miscellaneous correspondence with Ruth Page and Thomas H. Fisher: J-K. New York Public Libraries for the Performing Arts, Dance Collection
creatorOf Jones, Robert Edmond, 1887-1954. Additional papers, 1933-1952. Houghton Library
referencedIn H. Lawrence Freeman Papers, 1870-1982, [Bulk Dates: 1890-1954]. Columbia University. Rare Book and Manuscript Library
referencedIn Miscellaneous theatrical set designs, 1661-1975 and undated. Harvard Theater Collection, Houghton Library, Harvard College Library, Harvard University
Role Title Holding Repository
Relation Name
associatedWith Abel, Walter, 1898-1987. person
associatedWith Agnes Jones . person
associatedWith Alabama. Governor (1947-1951 : Folsom) corporateBody
associatedWith Aldrich, Alden. person
associatedWith American Institute of Architects. corporateBody
associatedWith Anderson, Maxwell, 1888-1959. person
associatedWith Armina (Marshall) Langner person
associatedWith Baker, George Pierce, 1866-1935. person
associatedWith Barrymore, John, 1882- person
associatedWith Blum, Charles, person
associatedWith Brodkin, Herbert H. person
associatedWith Browne, Maurice, 1881-1955. person
correspondedWith Brown, John Mason, 1900-1969 person
associatedWith Bufano, Remo person
associatedWith Carpenter, John Alden, 1876-1951. person
associatedWith Carré, Michel, 1819-1872 person
associatedWith Central City Opera House corporateBody
associatedWith Central City Opera House. corporateBody
associatedWith Charles Ingham person
associatedWith Chekhov, Anton Pavlovich, 1860-1904. person
correspondedWith Colman, Ronald. person
associatedWith Columbia University. Brander Matthews Dramatic Museum. corporateBody
associatedWith Cort theatre. corporateBody
associatedWith Craig, Edward Gordon (1872-1966) person
associatedWith Crain, W. H. person
associatedWith Crain, W. H., 1917-1988 person
associatedWith Dumas, Alexandre, 1802-1870. person
associatedWith Dumas, Alexandre, 1824-1895. person
associatedWith Elizabeth Jones . person
associatedWith Emma Jane Cowell Jones person
associatedWith Enters, Angna, 1897-1989. person
associatedWith Eugene O'Neill person
associatedWith Euripides person
associatedWith Fitsch, Eugene C., 1892-1972. person
associatedWith Freeman, H. Lawrence (Harry Lawrence), 1869-1954. person
associatedWith Geddes, Norman Bel, 1893-1958. person
associatedWith Gish, Lillian, 1893-1993. person
associatedWith Harmon, David P., 1918-2001. person
associatedWith Harvard University. corporateBody
correspondedWith Henry Stanley person
correspondedWith Herbert V. Gellendre person
associatedWith Howard D. Rothschild. person
correspondedWith Hutchins, Robert. person
associatedWith Isaacs, Edith J. R. (Edith Juliet Rich), 1878-1956. person
associatedWith John Barrymore. person
associatedWith Jones family family
correspondedWith Jones, Robert Edmond, 1887-1954 person
associatedWith Jones's person
associatedWith Kook, Edward person
correspondedWith Lamont, Corliss, 1902- person
associatedWith Lee Simonson. person
correspondedWith Lohmann, Carl A. person
correspondedWith Lowell, Amy, 1874-1925 person
associatedWith Luhan, Mabel Dodge, 1879-1962. person
associatedWith Lynn Riggs' person
associatedWith Macgowan, Kenneth, 1888-1963. person
associatedWith MacKaye, Percy, 1875-1956. person
associatedWith MacKelcan, Fred R. person
associatedWith Macmillan, Sir Ernest, 1893- person
correspondedWith Maeterlinck, Maurice, 1862-1949 person
associatedWith Mary Surber person
associatedWith Metropolitan Opera Association corporateBody
associatedWith Mielziner, Jo, 1901-1976 person
associatedWith Moonelis person
associatedWith Museum of the City of New York. corporateBody
correspondedWith National Institute of Arts and Letters. corporateBody
associatedWith New York (City) - The Coffee House. corporateBody
correspondedWith Oenslager, Donald, 1902-1975. person
correspondedWith Oenslager, Donald Mitchell, 1902- person
associatedWith Oliver Rea. person
associatedWith O'Neill, Eugene, 1888-1953. person
associatedWith Packard, Frederick C. (Frederick Clifton), person
associatedWith Percy Bysshe Shelley. person
associatedWith Philadelphia Grand Opera Company. corporateBody
associatedWith Pierian Sodality Orchestra, Harvard University corporateBody
associatedWith Pierpont Morgan Library. Seligmann Collection. corporateBody
associatedWith Pierpont Morgan Library. Young Collection. corporateBody
associatedWith Pinkham, Harold. person
associatedWith Plymouth Theatre corporateBody
associatedWith Proctor, Caroline. person
correspondedWith Reed, John, 1887-1920 person
associatedWith Reis, Claire R. (Claire Raphael) person
associatedWith R. E. Jones person
associatedWith Robert Whitehead person
associatedWith Robinson Jeffers person
associatedWith Roche, Emeline Clark, 1902-1995 person
associatedWith Saraceno, Salvatore, person
associatedWith Seligmann, Herbert J., person
associatedWith Seligmann, Herbert J., Mrs, person
associatedWith Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616. person
associatedWith Shaw, Bernard, 1856-1950 person
associatedWith Simon, Louis M., 1906- person
associatedWith Stephen F. Voorhers person
associatedWith Stoddard, Eunice person
associatedWith Stravinsky-Diaghilev Foundation. corporateBody
correspondedWith Walter Damerosch person
associatedWith Westport Country Playhouse corporateBody
associatedWith Wickes, Frances G. (Frances Gillespy), 1875-1967. person
associatedWith Young Men's Christian Association (Jamestown, N.Y.) corporateBody
associatedWith Young, Stark, 1881-1963, person
associatedWith Zahn, Anita, person
Place Name Admin Code Country
New York (State)--New York
United States
United States
New York (State)--Jamestown
United States
New York (State)
Jamestown (N.Y.)
United States
United States
Subject
Theater
Theater
Theater
Banks and banking
Color cinematography
Color motion pictures
Costume
Costume designs
Fire department
Motion picture industry
Motion picture industry
Motion pictures
Motion pictures
Motion pictures and theater
Opera
Painting, American
Scene painting
Set design
Set designers
Theaters
Watercolor painting, American
Young Men's Christian associations
Occupation
Artists
Costume designers
Set designers
Activity

Person

Birth 1887-12-12

Death 1954-11-26

Americans

English

Information

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