Portfolio of Spanish interior designer Vicente Melio Alfonso (Collection of photos, renderings, and theater programs)

Spain: N.p., 1961. Archive of 44 black and white vintage photographs, 21 photographic duplications of artistic renderings, one invitation, and three programs for the openings of various buildings whose interiors were designed by Valencia-based interior designer Vicente Melio Alfonso during Francisco Franco's fascist Spanish regime.

This archive largely illustrates his work on two theaters: the Cine Imperial in Villena, and the Teatro-Cine Paya in Burriana. Teatro-Cine Paya material includes a program and an invitation for the theatre's opening, as well as 3 artistic renderings of the space and 21 black and white photographs, including shots of the theater, projection room, murals, bar in the lobby, and even a shot of the very modern-lookng urinals in the men's bathroom. Material for the Cine Imperial includes a program for the theater's 1958 inauguration as well as a program for the first film shown there ("Viage a Italia"), 4 renderings and 11 black and white photographs, including the bar, theater, staircase, and extensive mural work in the lobby. While the Cine Imperial was torn down in 1982, the Teatro-Cine Paya remains open today.

Melio Alfonso's work seen here also includes the Forte Manufacturing construction showroom (seen here in one rendering and seven slightly bizarre photographs, toilets placed in the center of the room), two renderings for a car dealership, and ten renderings and five photographs of unknown theaters. His works reflect the Franco regime's interest in imposing, futuristic structures, featuring high, long-lined ceilings, eagle crests, and pictorial murals.

Photographs and renderings approximately 9.25 x 7 inches, with 35 of them housed in a 13 x 10 inch half-black leatherette, half-yellow cloth photo scrapbook with gilt titles. Photos Near Fine, leatherette photobook Very Good.

Complete collation available upon request.