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Axel Lindahl collection

 Collection
Identifier: PA041

Scope and Content Note

The collection is predominately stage backdrop drawings in pencil, oils and watercolors. Newspaper clippings regarding Lindahl's art and postcards are also included in this collection.

Dates

  • 1891-1947

Creator

Language of Materials

English

Restrictions on Access

The collection is open and available for use by researchers in the Andersen Library Reading Room.

Restrictions on Use

Copyright is retained by the copyright holder.

Biographical Note

Axel Lindahl, a 19th-20th century artist, was a native of Stockholm, Sweden, born on the 19th of August, 1872. In 1888 entered the Technical School of Stockholm and after two years there became a student in the School of Higher Mechanical and Technical Arts (Hogre Konstindustriella Skolan). After graduating he taught in that institution, then resigned his position to become superintendent of a factory in Gothenburg, Sweden. During this time he made several trips to Germany and Norway to continue his studies in art, then returned to Stockholm where he established a bureau of engraving which he conducted until 1902, when he emigrated with his wife and son to Minneapolis, MN.

He worked in Minneapolis for one year as an interior decorator with the firm of Bradstreet and Company, after which he accepted a position as artist with the Twin City Scenic Studio. Three years later he was appointed chief artist for the scenic department of the Lyric Theater.

Lindahl's gallery "Scenic Studios" was located in Minneapolis, on the grounds of his residence. His work consisted of pencil drawings, as well as oils and watercolors of stage backdrops, but his output was not limited to scene designs. From July 29-March 2, 1926, a collection of his works were on display at the Brooklyn Museum in New York City.

Extent

10 boxes

Abstract

Collection contains the artwork and sketches of scenic artist Axel Lindahl.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged by medium:

  1. Pencil
  2. Oils
  3. Watercolors
  4. Mixed Media/Miscellaneous

Physical Location

High Bay

Acquisition

The collection was donated to the Performing Arts Archives in 1986.

Related Materials

Ten watercolors and one photograph by Axel Lindahl are included in the permanent collection of the Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum. Other scenic design collections in the Performing Arts Archives include the Twin City Scenic Collection (PA043)and the Lance Brockman Papers (PA125).

Processing Information

The collection was processed and the finding aid written by Performing Arts Archives staff.

Title
Axel Lindahl collection
Author
Karen Spilman
Date
December 2004
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
English

Collecting Area Details

Contact The Performing Arts Archives Collecting Area

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