Robert S. Telford Personal Papers (SC-05)

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
VMFA Archives
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Margaret R. and Robert M. Freeman Library
200 N. Arthur Ashe Boulevard
Richmond, VA 23220-4007
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Roxanne Winfield
Phone: (804) 340-1497
Phone: (804) 340-1495
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The collection is subject to all copyright laws. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by copyright, beyond that allowed by fair use, requires the researcher to obtain permission of copyright holders.

Preferred citation:

Robert S. Telford Personal Papers (SC-05). VMFA Archives, Richmond, Virginia.

Summary

Extent:
0.4 Linear Feet 1 box, 4 folders; 60 items
Creator:
Telford, Robert S. and Telford, Robert S.
Abstract:
The collection documents the life and career of Robert (Bob) S. Telford from 1959-2008. Telford, director of the Virginia Museum Theatre from 1955-1966, helped to strengthen the program and is known for casting African American actors in productions with white actors at a time when interracial casting was illegal in Virginia.
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

Robert S. Telford Personal Papers (SC-05). VMFA Archives, Richmond, Virginia.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection's inclusive dates are 1959-2008. It is comprised of newspaper clippings, letters (mainly from Mallory Freeman, fellow Virginia Museum Theater actor), event invitations and programs, and an audiotape.

Biographical / historical:

As the director of the Virginia Museum Theater from 1958-1966, Robert S. Telford dramatically grew subscriptions to the theater, stabilized management and formed a strong volunteer corps. He also introduced the VMT's first musical production, "Kiss Me Kate." He is probably best known for his casting of African-American actors at a time when it was illegal in Virginia to have black and white actors together on the same stage. In 1966, he cast two black actors in the theater's production of "You Can't Take It With You," marking a major milestone in Virginia theater history. After his departure, Telford went on to direct theaters in Texas and Oklahoma, finally landing in California, where he had a successful television acting career in the 1980s and published several books.

Source: of "The Dark Side of Ambition"

Custodial history:

The collection was donated by Robert S. Telford.

Processing information:

In general, during processing, all publications are removed and added to the VMFA Library's holdings and original newspaper clippings are photocopied, with identifiers transferred, and then destroyed. Original folder titles are retained, when provided.

Arrangement:

The collection is organized into one series, and items are generally organized chronologically within each folder.

Series 1
Personal Papers, 1959-2008, undated