Robert Wilson papers, 1969-2000

Summary

Creator:
Wilson, Robert, 1941-
Extent:
148 linear feet 318 boxes in ReCAP (1-59, 60a,b,c,d, 61-74, 75a,b,c, 76-81, 82a,b, 83-99, 100a,b, 101-294; 1 cataloged box (CC1), 4 flat boxes, 1 mapcase drawer, 1 oversize folder
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Robert Wilson papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Background

Scope and content:

Correspondence, outlines, scripts, production notes, technical materials, story boards, contracts, posters, programs, announcements, recordings, reviews, and other printed materials relating to all aspects of Robert Wilson's theater works, opera, films, artwork and video productions. There are files for all of Wilson's theatrical performances, the most extensive of which is the CIVIL warS. Also included are the files of the Byrd Hoffman Foundation.

Series II contains press materials for 1988 and research materials for King Lear, The Forest, and Parsifal, as well as miscellaneous research files for 1987. In addition, one can find various documents (letters, contracts, etc.) relating to the following productions: The Forest; Alcestis; The Golden Windows; Patio; Edison; Black Rider; Murder (Deafman Glance); CIVIL warS; and Knee Plays. A group of miscellaneous files follows, containing such items as scores, research materials, and budget documentation. In the oversize folders of the series are scores for The Golden Windows and De Materie, research for Black Rider, a press kit for Knee Plays, and various King Lear documents.

Biographical / historical:

American dramatist, director, designer, performer, writer and artist.

Wilson was born in Waco, Texas on 4 October 1941. He attended the University of Texas Austin, 1959-1962 and the Pratt Institute, 1962-1965 where he earned a BFA in architecture. In 1969 he was appointed artistic director of the Byrd Hoffmann Foundation, New York from where he has produced most of his works. Wilson is know for his performance art. He has taught and lectured in the United States and Europe and exhibited as a sculptor and artist worldwide.

Acquisition information:

Papers: Source of acquisition--Wilson, Robert and the Byrd Hoffman Foundation. Method of acquisition--Gift.

Gift of Robert Wilson and the Byrd Hoffman Foundation, 1988-1991.

Processing information:

Papers Entered in AMC 10/12/1990. Processed by Rudolph Ellenbogen 10/90. RE/MW 10/91; SH 11/93; HR 3/01.

Arrangement:

This collection is arranged into 3 series. 2 oversize flat boxes, 295 and 296 were formerly also known as Flat Boxes 583 and 584 of the Flat Box series. Flat Boxes 582, 585 and 586 also formerly contained Wilson materials, but they were moved in October 2022 to three tall MS. Boxes, Nos. 297, 298, 299.

Accruals:

Materials may have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. Contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is located off-site. You will need to request this material at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.

Series II, Box 20: Permission of the Byrd Hoffman Foundation required.

Terms of access:

Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Preferred citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Robert Wilson papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Location of this collection:
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th St.
New York, NY 10027, United States
Link to repository site
Contact:
(212) 854-5590
rbml@library.columbia.edu