Linda Diane Jackson collection

Photographs, negatives, contact sheets, slides, film reels, DVDs, VHS tapes, printed announcements, transcripts of interviews, circa 1900-1990 (bulk 1985-1987). This collection is comprised of two major photography projects created by Linda Diane Jackson. The first project is described as a "photo/video montage" of the former strip-tease artist, Olive Sherman. The photographs depict Olive posing in various locations and in various outfits. The project is also made up of images taken by Jackson of preexisting photographic and printed memorabilia associated with Olive’s youth and time as a performer. These composite photographs are often referred to as “appropriations” by Jackson in her notations.

The second project involves the documentation of both former vaudevillian entertainers and their memorabilia. Many of the individuals that appear in the collection were cast members of “Ode to a Bit Player”, a stage production of The Ensemble Studio Theatre in Los Angeles, CA. These images depict the entire cast during rehearsals, performances, studio sessions, and even at the red carpet premiere. Individually, the cast members—as well with other vaudevillians not associated with the theatre production—have been photographically captured doing everyday activities and even demonstrating their own talents. Jackson also made photographic appropriations of the mementos shared by these individuals, just as she did with the keepsakes belonging to Olive.