Details
- Reference NumberARC-0038
- Level of descriptioncollection
- TitleAnita Gelman Collection
- Date1970, 1980s
- Size0.21 (Linear feet)
- Scope and ContentsThe Anita Gelman Collection spans 1970 and the 1980s, with the bulk of the materials dating between 1982 and 1984. The collection provides rich visual evidence in the form of 35mm color slides, black and white photographs, and color Polaroids of Gelman's role as a professional cosmetologist for MTV (including VH1 and the Movie Channel) and Epic Records. The materials document Gelman's work with such artists as Nick Ashford, the Fat Boys, Herbie Hancock, the Isley Brothers, Los Lobos, Scandal, the Stray Cats, and Steven Tyler. An added bonus to the collection is the photocopied performance agreements between the Michigan concert venue, the Früt Palace, and various artists, including the Stooges, MC5, Detroit featuring Mitch Ryder, and Parliament & the Funkadelic. The Anita Gelman Collection provides a glimpse into the visual history of 1980s rock and pop music, specifically through the hair styles, makeup, and costumes for which the era is best known. The Anita Gelman Collection is organized by format and then chronologically. The DVD-R contains Gelman's complete Polaroid portfolio in the form of RAW digital files as well as high- and low-resolution derivative files. The complete portfolio contains not only the Polaroids described in this collection but additional images of celebrities from Gelman's career, including film actors and directors, comedians, journalists, film critics, authors, television hosts, radio personalities, Broadway and opera stars, and athletes.
- Biography / Administrative HistoryAnita Gelman grew up in Detroit and at nine years old became a member of the Rolling Stones Fan Club. She saw The Who perform at her high school auditorium and attended the Goose Lake Music Festival, Detroit's version of Woodstock. While attending art school at the University of Michigan, Gelman was script supervisor on the film Ten for Two: The John Sinclair Freedom Rally, which documented the Ann Arbor, Mich. concert supporting John Sinclair and featured appearances by John Lennon and Yoko Ono. After completing fine arts degrees in Paris and London, Gelman moved to Manhattan. Working as a graphic designer, writer, and photo editor at Teen Beat, she was able to include her favorite New York City bands in the national publication. As a licensed cosmetologist, Gelman became a crewmember on many MTV music video sets. The Polaroid portraits featured in her collection originated with this job opportunity and span a decade of rock and roll hairstyles. Gelman also initiated a concept book, Iggy Pop A to Z, and is a published author of pop culture. She is currently a manager of education development for Matrix, a division of L'Oréal USA.
- Existence and Location of OriginalsThe originals of the photocopied contracts in the collection remain with the donor.
- NotesCitation: [Identification of Item], Anita Gelman Collection, Library and Archives, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
Acquisition Note: The Anita Gelman Collection was received by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. as a gift from Anita Gelman on June 10, 2011. - AccessCollection is open for research. Patrons must sign the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibility and Privacy Rights statement on the Researcher Registration form before using this collection. Consult the Library and Archives in advance of your visit to ensure access to these materials is available.
- UseThe Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. has a limited copyright license to the materials within this collection. The transfer of Donor's literary and other property rights does not include works of other individuals and organizations contained in the gift. For more information, please consult the staff of the Library and Archives.
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