Every
once in a while, I come across a box tucked away in storage that I haven’t
opened in my almost four years here. Sometimes, such a box contains unexpected
treasure. Recently, I found one that contained a collection of theatrical
makeup used at a local theater in the early 1930s. There were greasepaint sticks and
powders and even little boxes of hair. I don’t know much at all about early 20th
century theater makeup so I did a little digging.
There
were quite a few pieces made by E.M. Stein Cosmetic Company in the
box. The narrow cardboard tubes contain sticks of greasepaint in a variety of
colors from skin tones to blues, greens, and pinks. Greasepaint became widely
used by stage actors once gaslights became standard in theaters in the late 19th
century. The powder makeup that had been used up until that point did not look
good under the new brighter lights. If actors went without makeup at all,
they looked washed-out and unexpressive. Applied correctly, greasepaint made
actors look more natural under gaslight and under newer electric lights.
Collection of
Stein’s greasepaint sticks, early 1930s
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Face powder was
needed to set the greasepaint and keep it from smearing.
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Max Factor
makeup, including Supreme Greasepaint, early 1930s
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Color chart and
instructions for applying Max Factor greasepaint, 1930s
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This
collection of theatrical makeup was a wonderful find. I can just imagine actors
at a local theater putting on their costumes and makeup so they
could step out on stage and entertain a packed house.
Another very engaging piece. Thanks!
ReplyDeletewhere to find information in reference to the history of the Miner's Theatrical Makeup company? (since 1864) and a list of its various theatrical makeup products?
ReplyDelete