(Above) Oliver Messel working on Gloriana costume. Picture © V&A Images / V&A Theatre Collections
The first major exhibition of legendary theatre designer Oliver Messel's work since 1983 will take place at Cumbria's Rosehill Theatre to celebrate its 50th anniversary in September.
Messel designed the interior of the Theatre in 1959, described at the time as a "rose red, silk lined jewellery box."
The theatre has been loaned an impressive set of Messel's stage and costume designs by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Many of the pieces have never been on display before and will remain on show for the next three years in what will become the Theatre's Messel Room.
Rosehill is one of only a small number of public places where Messel undertook interior design commissions, placing it in a unique position.
Oliver Messel, design for Puss in Boots. Picture © V&A Images / V&A Theatre Collections
"I am honoured we are able to exhibit such a significant collection of British theatre designs, as Oliver Messel is very much part of Rosehill's dynamic history," said Director Richard Elder.
"The exhibition will demonstrate the significance, glamour and quality of Oliver Messel's work in the intimate atmosphere and surroundings."
Messel was approached by Rosehill's creator, Sir Nicholas Sekers, to design the interior after he converted a barn on the Rosehill estate to provide an opportunity for the local community to experience high quality music and theatre from international performers.
Messel transformed theatre design between the 1930s and 1950s with his lavish, painterly and poetic style of design, and his work spanned a huge variety of locations including the Royal Opera House, London's West End, Broadway in New York and Hollywood.
Oliver Messel, Ariadne auf Naxos, Bacchus. Picture © V&A Images / V&A Theatre Collections
"The Oliver Messel collection is one of the most important stage design collections held in the V&A's Theatre and Performance Archive. It not only offers a rare insight into Messel's working practices but also covers his career beyond the theatre, in film, interior design and architecture," said Keith Lodwick, Curator of Theatre and Performance.
"We are delighted to collaborate with Rosehill Theatre and it seems only appropriate that Messel's designs should be part of the 50th anniversary of this remarkable performance venue."
Messel's nephew, Thomas, will be giving an illustrated talk on his uncle, his life and work at the Rosehill Theatre on September 4 as part of a weekend of events to celebrate the launch of the exhibition.
Rosehill Theatre, Whitehaven, Cumbria. Call 01946 692422 or visit the Theatre online for more details.
