Events Calendar

Distinguished for Their Talents - Theatrical Portraits by Scranton Master Penman P. W. Costello, 1905-1930

Other Dates For This Event:


Saturday, 24 February, 2018

Weinberg Memorial Library's Heritage Room will be exhibiting pen and ink portraits of late 19th and early 20th century theatrical personalities drawn between 1905 and 1930 by Scranton's Master Penman Patrick W. Costello. Costello was nationally recognized for his work and operated what we might now consider a graphic arts studio where he created advertising art as well as engrossed congratulatory or testimonial resolutions, diplomas, and other types of work that required a combination of calligraphic lettering and artistic design. As a hobby, Costello drew pen and ink portraits and, because he had a love for the theater, specialized in drawing portraits of stage personalities. Sometimes he drew these from photographs, engravings or other illustrations found in theater magazines or books but in some cases he drew the portraits from life. Costello also owned restaurants in Scranton where he would display his portraits. In some cases, traveling actors would visit the restaurant and autograph their portraits. The exhibit will include a variety of men and women of the stage some of whom played Scranton. Some names, such as John Barrymore, are still famous. Many of these actors performed Shakespeare and many of the portraits show Shakespearean performers.

The Heritage Room will host an exhibit reception on Tuesday, March 27 at 6 PM. Thomas Costello, P. W. Costello's great-grandson, will speak on Costello's career. University of Scranton English professor Michael Friedman will speak on Shakespearean performance at the turn of the 20th century. The reception is free and open to the public. The exhibit will run from February 5 through April 23 during normal Library hours.

Contact:

Michael Knies

Phone: 570-941-6341
Website: Click to Visit

Categories:

Weinberg Memorial Library, Heritage Room (5th floor)

300 Monroe Avenue
 Scranton, PA 18510