Libraries of Russia: New exposition “Cinematograph and Library” at Russian State Library of Arts

On March 2nd 2012 the Russian State Library of Arts (Moscow) is opening a new exposition – “Cinematograph and Library”.

This is the third exposition which deals with the role of the library’s holdings and contribution of its staff members to creation of outstanding artworks.

The first exposition, which debuted in December 2009, revealed the activities of the library as a laboratory for directors, actors, and designers of the Small Theatre, where it was founded in 1921.

In 2012 – the library’s 90th anniversary – the new exposition casts light on the work of directors, actors and especially, cinema designers at the library with their consultants-librarians.

The library holds an extensive collection of sketches of its patrons – prominent production designers and costume designers. Books and images were widely applied in the work over these sketches; the work was strengthened by consultations of librarians. Unfortunately, though you can hardly underestimate the contribution of designers in filmmaking, the viewer as a rule doesn’t know their names. One of the goals of the exposition is to attract the attention to this kind of creative work.

The exhibition showcases unique documents. These are patrons’ requests of famous directors, actors, designers and other figures involved in filmmaking. On display are sketches, made by designers at the library. These priceless materials along with books, magazine articles, newspaper reviews, film shots, photographs taken on the set are the show’s central exhibits.

The exhibition includes a virtual exposition.