Geddes, Norman Bel

Geddes, Norman Bel

▪ American theatrical designer
original name  Norman Melancton Geddes  
born April 27, 1893, Adrian, Mich., U.S.
died May 8, 1958, New York, N.Y.

      American theatrical designer whose clean, functional decors contributed substantially to the trend away from naturalism in 20th-century stage design. As an important industrial designer he helped popularize “streamlining” as a distinct modern style.

      Following brief study at the Cleveland Institute of Art and the Art Institute of Chicago, Geddes became interested in the theatre and staged his first play, Nju, and five others for the Los Angeles Little Theatre in 1916. In New York City in 1918 he did scenic designs for the Metropolitan Opera. He designed, produced, or directed some 200 operas, films, plays, and musical comedies.

      Toward the end of the 1920s, Geddes adapted his ideas to industrial design, gradually building an organization that employed 2,000 people. His designs ranged from skyscrapers, inkwells, yachts, radios, and interiors to refrigerators. One of his best-remembered designs was the General Motors Futurama building and exhibit at the New York World's Fair (1939–40). Geddes also designed theatres worldwide. He staged circuses, developed equipment and techniques for the armed services, and wrote books on many subjects.

      An autobiography, Miracle in the Evening (1960), edited by William Kelley, depicts the designer through his theatrical work.

* * *


Universalium. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем сделать НИР

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Geddes, Norman Bel — (1893 1958)    Born Norman Melancton Geddes in Adrian, Michigan, Norman Bel Geddes studied art in Cleveland and Chicago before beginning his distinguished career in design at the Los Angeles Little Theatre in 1916. Profoundly influenced by… …   The Historical Dictionary of the American Theater

  • Geddes,Norman Bel — Ged·des (gĕdʹēz), Norman Bel. 1893 1958. American architect and theatrical and industrial designer who popularized the concept of streamlining. * * * …   Universalium

  • Norman Bel Geddes — (27 de abril de 1893 en Adrián, Míchigan 8 de mayo de 1958) fue un diseñador industrial y teatral estadounidense que se enfocó sobre todo en el estilo aerodinámico. Biografía Influenciado por los arquitec …   Wikipedia Español

  • Bel Geddes, Norman —    See Geddes, Norman Bel …   The Historical Dictionary of the American Theater

  • Norman Bel Geddes — (27 avril 1893 9 mai 1958) est un décorateur de théâtre et un des pionniers du design industriel aux États Unis durant les années 1930. La cité du futur, pavillon Futurama, Foire internationale de New York 1939 1940. Il est le père de l actrice… …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Norman Bel Geddes — (* 27. April 1893 in Adrian, Michigan; † 8. Mai 1958 in New York City) war ein US amerikanischer Bühnenbildner und Produktdesigner und Vertreter des Art Déco Stils Streamline Moderne und der Aerodynamik …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • Norman Bel Geddes — Norman Melancton Bel Geddes (April 27, 1893 – May 9, 1958) was an American theatrical and industrial designer who focused on aerodynamics.[1] Bel Geddes was born Norman Melancton Geddes in Adrian, Michigan, and raised in New Philadelphia, Ohio,… …   Wikipedia

  • Bel Geddes — see GEDDES Norman Bel * * * …   Universalium

  • Bel Geddes — see GEDDES Norman Bel …   English World dictionary

  • Geddes — is a surname and a place name.PeopleNearly all people who share the surname Geddes have ancestry traced to a clan in the Scottish Highlands. Many also have a connection to a Baron born of Clan Geddes whose standard is a red shield with three… …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”