Tennessee Williams at The Morgan Library

I was thrilled to check out the fantastic exhibit at The Morgan Library and Museum of Tennessee Williams. He was a great playwright and someone whose work will stand the test of time. 

Here is some information on the exhibit from the Morgan's website: 

The plays of Tennessee Williams (1911–1983) are intimate, confessional, and autobiographical. They are touchstones not only of American theatrical history but American literary history as well. 

During the period 1939 to 1957, Williams composed such masterpieces as The Glass Menagerie, A Streetcar Named Desire, and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, cementing his reputation as America’s most celebrated playwright. By 1955 he had earned two Pulitzer Prizes, three New York Drama Critics’ Circle Awards, and a Tony.

Williams embraced his celebrity even as he struggled in his private life with alcohol and drug addiction and a series of stormy relationships with lovers. Moreover, he was often at odds professionally with critics and censors concerned about the sexuality and other subject matter, then unconventional, explored in his plays. He found his safe haven in writing.

Opening February 2 and continuing through May 13, Tennessee Williams: No Refuge but Writing highlights the playwright’s creative process and his close involvement with the theatrical production of his works, as well as their reception and lasting impact. Uniting his original drafts, private diaries, and personal letters with paintings, photographs, production stills, and other objects, the exhibition tells the story of one man’s ongoing struggle for self-expression and how it forever changed the landscape of American drama.

Foto-Life, Tennessee Williams, undated, contact sheet, gelatin silver print, Harry Ransom Center, The University of Texas at Austin. © Foto-Life.

Very cool typed letter with his signature, which I have to say, I thought was marvelous! Such lovely penmanship.

A letter to his grandfather in his own writing 

Very neat to see his typewriter, I have to say, I do not miss typing on these at all! 

Tennessee Williams (1911–1983), The Gentleman Caller: The Ruins of a Play, ca. 1943-44, Harry Ransom Center, The University of Texas at Austin. Used with permission of George Borchardt, Inc.

Marlon Brando's little black book was pretty darn cool to see in person and read as well! 

I was familiar with the movie starring Liz Taylor and Paul Newman but not of the play with Barbara Bel Geddes and Burl Ives. I am sure it must have been pretty stellar to see that in person. It opened March 24, 1955 to Nov. 17, 1956 and the film opened Sept. 20, 1958. A true classic. 

I had to show some shots I took as well of the Morgan Library. I just love this place! 

Smaller museums are such a treat as you don't have all the craziness like the Met (even though I do LOVE the Met) and you can relax and enjoy your beautiful surroundings. 

These book covers with historic books inside are just so wonderful to view in person. 

The Morgan Library & Museum
225 Madison Avenue at 36th Street
New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 685-0008
Fax: (212) 481-3484

Hours
The Morgan Library & Museum and the Morgan Shop are open
Tuesday through Thursday: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday: 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Morgan closes at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve and at 5 p.m. on New Year's Eve.
Closed Monday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Admission
$20 Adults
$13 Seniors (65 and over)
$13 Students (with current ID)
Free to members and children 12 and under (must be accompanied by an adult)
Admission is free on Fridays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission to the McKim rooms only (Mr. Morgan's Library, Study, Rotunda, and Librarian's Office) is free during the following times: Tuesday, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 4 p.m to 6 p.m.
Admission is not required to visit the Morgan Shop, Morgan Dining Room, and Morgan Café.


Also on this day, a very Happy Anniversary to my parents in heaven who would be married 51 years today. I am sure they are celebrating with family and friends. They are forever in my heart.

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