| Dates: | 1977-1980 |
| Size: | 1.5 linear feet in 1 box |
| Repository: | Chicago Public Library, Harold Washington Library Center, Special Collections, 400 S. State St., Chicago, IL 60605 |
| Collection Number: | spe-t00029 |
| Immediate source of acquisition: | The Robert Pockmire Papers were donated to Chicago Public Library by Pockmire in 2015. |
| Conditions governing use: | Please consult staff to determine ability to reuse materials from collection. |
| Conditions governing access: | Materials are open without restrictions. |
| Physical location note: | Materials are stored offsite and advance notice is required for use. Please request materials at least 24-hours prior to your research visit to coordinate access. |
| Preferred citation: | When quoting material from this collection, the preferred citation is: Robert Pockmire Papers, [Box #, Folder #], Special Collections, Chicago Public Library |
| Finding aid author: | Sarah Zimmerman, December 2015. Updated and ingested into ArchivesSpace by Sarah Zimmerman, 2021. |
Abstract
Robert Pockmire was a painter, illustrator and designer. During the late 1970s he worked at the Victory Gardens Theatre in various roles, most notably as a graphic designer. The collection includes posters, programs, clippings and subscription mailings designed by Pockmire.
Biographical/Historical
Robert Pockmire (1951-2021) was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio. He attended The Ohio State University and completed a Diploma in Illustration at Kendall School of Design in 1973 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The next year, he moved to New York City and worked for Norcross Cards.
He later relocated to Chicago and worked as an illustrator for L. Fish Furniture. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Pockmire served as house manager, sound and lighting technician, stage props and graphic designer for Victory Gardens Theatre. In 1985, Pockmire joined Diamond Toymakers, now Flix Candy/Imaginings 3, where he continues to work as a production designer and photographer.
Pockmire, who lives is East Lakeview, is also a painter. He maintains a studio in the Uptown Arts Studio.
Scope and Content
The collection includes Robert Pockmire’s designs and graphics for posters, programs, clippings and mailings for productions and series subscriptions at Victory Gardens Theatre.
Arrangement
The collection is arranged chronologically.
Related Material
Victory Gardens Theatre Records
Subject Headings
- Pockmire, Robert, 1951-2021 -- Archives
- Commercial art -- Illinois -- Chicago – Sources
- Theaters -- Illinois -- Chicago – Sources
- Victory Gardens Theater
Collection Inventory
| Box 1 | Folder 1 | Poster for The Blood Knot by Athol Fugard. Directed by Dennis Zacek, sets and lights by Maher Ahmad, costumes by Marsha Kowal, music by Douglas Ewart, 1977 March |
| Box 1 | Folder 2 | Series subscription mailings, 1977-1978 |
| Box 1 | Folder 3 | Program and clipping for Ceremonies in Dark Old Men by Lonne Elder, III. Directed by Dennis Zacek, sets by Maher Ahmad, costumes by Marsha Kowal, lights by Robert Shook, 1978 February |
| Box 1 | Folder 4 | Poster, program and clipping for His Satanic Majesty by William J. Norris, in the Studio Theater. Directed by Dennis Zacek, sets by Maher Ahmad, 1978 March |
| Box 1 | Folder 5 | Poster, program and clipping for The Transfiguration of Benno Blimpie by Albert Innaurato. Directed by Dennis Zacek, designed by Joseph S. Sturniolo, starring Gene Schuldt, 1978 September |
| Box 1 | Folder 6 | Poster, program and clipping for Eden by Steve Carter. Midwest Professional Premiere. Directed by Chuck Smith, sets by Dean Taucher, costumes by Kate Bergh, lights by Rebecca Binks, with Jackie Taylor, 1978 November 29-December 17 |
| Box 1 | Folder 7 | Poster, program and clipping for Dillinger by William J. Norris. Directed by Dennis Zacek, sets by Dean Taucher, costumes by Julie Jackson, lighting by Robert Shook, sound by Richard Markow, Phil David and Henry Miller, with William L. Petersen, 1979 January 24-February 11 |
| Box 1 | Folder 8 | Poster and program for Porch by Jeffrey Sweet. Midwest Premiere. Directed by Tom Mula, production designed by Thomas Beall, 1979 January 30-March 4 |
| Box 1 | Folder 9 | Poster for Weekends Like Other People by David Blomquist. World Premiere. Directed by Mike Nussbaum, 1979 March 21-April 22 |
| Box 1 | Folder 10 | Poster and clipping for The Unseen Hands and Cowboys #2, 1979 June 7-July 1 |
| Box 1 | Folder 11 | Poster for Nevis Mountain Dew by Steve Carter. Directed by Chuck Smith, sets by Dean Taucher, costumes by Kate Bergh, lights by John Rodriguez, with Jackie Taylor, 1979 November |
| Box 1 | Folder 11 | Clipping for The Play’s the Thing by Ferenç Molnar, adapted by P.J. Wodehouse. Directed by Michael Maggio, sets by Dean Taucher, costumes by Jordan Ross, lights by Robert Shook, 1980 March |
| Box 1 | Folder 11 | Program for Home by David Storey. Midwest Premiere. Directed by Dennis Zacek, sets by Thomas Beall, costumes by Marsha Kowal, lighting by Robert Shook, 1980 October |
| Box 1 | Folder 12 | Victory Gardens stationery, undated |
