Scope and arrangement
The papers of Thomas Skelton represent his professional career as lighting designer from the early 1950s to his death in 1994. The bulk of the collection consists of light plots, cue sheets, ground plans, draftings and other papers related to Thomas Skelton's career in dance, theater, and opera. The collection also includes some teaching papers, correspondence, interviews, newspaper clippings, and programs. Other miscellaneous material includes travel and foreign language literature accumulated by Skelton for his various professional trips to Bali and other destinations.
In the course of a lighting project, it is common for the designer to have at his disposal the scenic designs and even costume information for the production. Much of this kind of material is included among the drafings and renderings listed in this finding aid. Although Thomas Skelton did occasional scenic design, most of this additional material is the work of other crafts people. Included among the papers are also lighting designs executed by others. When identified, these are listed in subseries for 'Other Designers' in each category. The production files should be consulted for full credits for a project.
The Thomas Skelton papers are arranged in eleven series:
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Includes Cinemoid Color Media from Kliegl Bros. second edition, December 1965, designer' s handbook prepared for Thomas Skelton. One of an edition of 60 copies.
Also includes literature for lighting supplies and equipment from Century Lighting, American Stage Lighting, Strand Century, The Great American Market, Berkey Colortran.
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Includes French, German, Chinese, Tagalog, Maylay. Box 28 is entirely Spanish books and recordings.