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Collection of the personal papers of Paula Morel. The papers were accumulated through her various roles as model, dancer, actress, librarian, wardrobe mistress for Dartington College of Arts and prime mover in amateur dramatics on the estate. The records document her extensive involvement with activities at Dartington Hall including the School of Dance-Mime, the Chekhov Theatre Studio and the Playgoers' Society.
Correspondence with friends includes letters from: Dorothy and Leonard Elmhirst; Roger Morel; Mark Tobey; Louise Soelberg; Alan Rawsthorne; Bernard Leach; Maurice Browne; Whitney Straight; Jane (Sylvia) Fox-Strangways; and Margart Barr.
Additional material includes: photographs; 2 poems given to Paula by Tsemou Hsu (Hsu Chih-mo); reviews; programmes for dance, opera and theatre including amateur societies, professional societies and student groups; press cuttings; exhibition catalogues; local publications including the Dartington Voice, Dartington Hall News and South Devon Scene; Dartington Hall Reviews; play scripts; notebooks; cards; and postcards.
Paula Morel (1905-1996) first came to Dartington Hall in 1927 as Leonard and Dorothy Elmhirst's hosekeeper. Born Dorothy Carter, she changed her name to Paula to avoid confusion with Dorothy Elmhirst. She married Roger Morel, manager of the Dartington orchards and cider press. Prior to working at Dartington, Paula had been a model for the artist Eric Gill. During her time at Dartington, Paula studied modern dance with Margaret Barr and performed with her professionally in 1934. She also studied acting under Michael Chekov, appearing in many productions at the Barn Theatre and also in London. Paula contributed to many activities at Dartington Hall, she was Dartington's librarian, wardrobe mistress for the Dartington College of Arts, and in later years worked part-time as a flower arranger for the Elmhirst Centre. Paula was also a founding member and curator of the Devonshire Collection of Period Costume, Totnes.
DATE: 1925-1990
LEVEL: Collection
The Archive is normally open by appointment Monday – Friday 9:30am – 12.30 pm, and 2 pm – 5 pm, apart from public holidays, which include Easter and Christmas.
We welcome enquiries by letter, fax, phone and e-mail. Please contact us via email at high.cross.house@dartington.org, telephone +44(0)1803 864114, fax +44(0)1803 867057 or send correspondence to: High Cross House, Dartington Hall, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 6ED UK
This information is copyright The Dartington Hall Trust
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The Dartington Hall Trust is a registered charity no. 279756. Company no. 1485560. Registered Office: The Elmhirst Centre, Dartington Hall, Totnes, Devon TQ9 6EL United Kingdom. Telephone 01803 847000; Fax 01803 847007;