Santa Fe (NM) Opera

The John David Ridge Collection represents over 50 fifty years (c. 1960-2019) of theatrical history and the illustrious professional career of costume designer John David Ridge. The first two boxes contain folders showcasing family history dating back to 1890 through John Ridge’s formative years of the 1950s. The bulk of the collection consists of 142 boxes of theatre, film, television, opera and ballet ephemera including programs, playbills, photographs, personal correspondence and an impressive collection of costume "bibles" (preserved as they were used by Ridge on various working theatrical, film and television projects).The first donor gift was made in 1988 followed by additional contributions in the 1990s and 2000s. The collection is arranged under various headings (See ARRANGEMENT NOTE).