Lighting of the 1930's

[mrjammy83]

So here I am again with another topic

 

I have been looking for sometime around the net and at various 1930's settings etc in film or theatre so thought I would call on the blueroom.

 

I am doing the lighting design for 42nd street in april and would like some Practical lighting set on stage for the rehearsal / audition and some other scenes.

 

I was considering using a Ghost lamp ( my thinking being a standard lamp stand with filament lamp glowing) would this be correct and "of the period?"

 

Secondly I would love to have some Big 2kw Fresnels (Patt 243's) on stands on stage just to add some depth and interest to the set. Although this is a C 1959 lantern. could I get away with it?

 

and lastly. What lanterns were around in the 1930's?. if its gas light I think I'll pass HAHA. where can I hire or get hold of such Lanterns. to enhance the design.

[paulears]

If you want genuine 1930s kit, but to hire in modern electrical condition - Jim Laws Lighting. He's the expert on period lighting and is the usual source of old kit for film, TV and theatre. I think that although they're old, you are a bit out with 243s, as although they were introduced in 59, they really were 60s and 70s in terms of reality. Old UK stuff is quite different from old US kit, so it's likely that you're going to have to take a bit of license anyway.

 

Big, ugly and old will probably suffice.

[gareth]

See if you can find a copy of a book called "Lighting The Stage" by Percy Corry. It was published in the 1950s, so perhaps not quite as far back as you might need to go, but I'm sure it'll give you some ideas. There's also some lantern data sheets on the Strand Archive which date back to the late 30s and early 40s.

[smalljoshua]

I have seen a Patt45 used successfully as a period lamp (on a wooden off-level bar with some hemp rope and sandbags) and it didn't look too bad.

 

Yes it won't be totally true to the period, but who will notice anyway?

 

Josh

[JimWebber]

Well, whatever you do, don't look towards Doctor Who for advice....

 

On a more constructive note, most of the audience are not going to know a par can from a monitor wedge....

 

I would say as long as it does not look obviously modern, artistic licence should see you okay.

 

HTH

 

Jim

[TomHoward]

I don't know how much your average audience member would know how far out a 243 would be. Although as Paul says, Jim Laws should be able to supply something more period if need be.

[Livenoise]

+1 for Jim Laws Lighting. As Paul says, Jim is THE Expert on antique lighting and traditional methods. We had a session with him here at Uni and his range of experience and knowledge is phenomenal, also a very nice guy too!

[paulears]

Some of the things Jim produces are very special. Woven outers to modern spec cables to make them look like the originals, complete refinishes that make ancient kit look brand new - and a horde of goodies he collects (or collected).

 

For this show, however, I suspect that as long as the kit doesn't look modern, you'll get away with it.

[RoyJ]

:( Hi , we have a stock of historically interesting lantern which may be of use, I would also agree about Jim Laws, a true gentlemen with a fantastic collection.You could also try Mr.Bob Morgan of the Elighten initative in Sheffield,who also has quite an extensive historically interesting collection.If you want to email me, please feel free to do so through the forum via my profile.Keep it illuminated Roy P.s. we work closely with both the above gentlemen and they really do know their stuff, if you could arrange transport I would be more than willing to loan you what we have.

[mrjammy83]

:( Hi , we have a stock of historically interesting lantern which may be of use, I would also agree about Jim Laws, a true gentlemen with a fantastic collection.You could also try Mr.Bob Morgan of the Elighten initative in Sheffield,who also has quite an extensive historically interesting collection.If you want to email me, please feel free to do so through the forum via my profile.Keep it illuminated Roy P.s. we work closely with both the above gentlemen and they really do know their stuff, if you could arrange transport I would be more than willing to loan you what we have.

 

 

Wow Royj Thankyou very much. PM me your details and I'll be in touch nearer the time if thats ok.

 

and thank you for all the other Posts too. although artistic license is always very useful I do think 30 years different is a little far out and there is always someone in the audience who will comment. " Gosh this lighting designer must have worked on doctor who" hahaha

 

 

Thanks guys and girls

 

James

[RoyJ]

:) Tou can email me at stagelighting@ntlworld.com, list of equipment 2x major arena floods,2x major m5 fresnels,2x major 500w profiles,1x major narrow angle,1x patt58 pageant lantern, various floods, patt23,patt123,patt45.There was a typo on my initial message Bob Morgan runs the enlighten initative, I can give you cotact details via email.Keep it illuminated Roy

Hi , we have a stock of historically interesting lantern which may be of use, I would also agree about Jim Laws, a true gentlemen with a fantastic collection.You could also try Mr.Bob Morgan of the Elighten initative in Sheffield,who also has quite an extensive historically interesting collection.If you want to email me, please feel free to do so through the forum via my profile.Keep it illuminated Roy P.s. we work closely with both the above gentlemen and they really do know their stuff, if you could arrange transport I would be more than willing to loan you what we have.

 

 

Wow Royj Thankyou very much. PM me your details and I'll be in touch nearer the time if thats ok.

 

and thank you for all the other Posts too. although artistic license is always very useful I do think 30 years different is a little far out and there is always someone in the audience who will comment. " Gosh this lighting designer must have worked on doctor who" hahaha

 

 

Thanks guys and girls

 

James