Gordon Gibbs

Collection of photographs.
[18--] - [19--].
ca 180 photographs.

Canadian director, designer, producer and art-gallery curator, Gordon Gibbs (1926-2009) played a major role in the development of the Calgary theatre scene after moving to the city in 1948. A graduate of the College of Commerce, University of Saskatchewan, he was employed by Gulf Canada Resources in exploration administration management for 38 years. Appointed to a Gulf Art Committee in 1978 which established the Gulf Canada Art Collection; founded and directed the Gulf Canada Gallery in 1981 which provided an exhibition venue for over 2,000 amateur and professional Alberta artists in its eleven years of existence. Formed GIBBZART, an art consulting firm, after retiring from Gulf. Made an honorary director of the Alberta Society of Artists for his work in the visual art field. As a director, Gibbs was responsible for many firsts in Calgary including first amateur play in the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, first opera production, first musical comedy and the introduction of several contemporary plays of the American 'kitchen-sink' school by such playwrights as Tennessee Williams and Edward Albee. He is a founding father of Theatre Calgary and Lunchbox Theatre and was on both Boards for many years. He was on the planning committee for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1988 Winter Olympics and Chairman of the committee providing nightly entertainment at the Plaza Medal Ceremonies; also served for 24 years on the Grandstand Committee of the Calgary Stampede including stints as stage manager. He has also been an adjudicator, lecturer, set designer, advisor to individuals and organizations, directed a film, two television plays, and served on the executives of the Dominion Drama Festival, the Calgary Drama Council and the Calgary Regional Arts Foundation. He has been honoured with many awards including: a Canadian Drama Award for his contribution to Canadian theatre in 1958; nominated to the 'Pioneer in the Arts' honour roll in the lobby of the Performing Arts Centre in 1985; an Alberta Achievement Award for his Olympic work in 1988.

Collection consists of black and white photographs of friends and family, mainly unidentified; 2 greeting cards; 1 holograph poem to Betty Mitchell from Wes; 2 newsclippings; and printed copy of a poem To Jessie by John Spittal. Also includes leather briefcase with initials B.M. [Betty Mitchell].
Donated by G. Gibbs in 2008.
Text in English.