John J. Ricketts papers

MLMSS 10502

fonds

1880-1948

Textual Records, Clippings, Ephemera, Graphic Materials, Photographs

9649520

0.16 metres of textual material (1 box), includes photographs

John (Jack) Ricketts was born in approximately 1865. At the age of 16 he was apprenticed to Maximilian Meyer for four years to learn the trade of scenic design. At that time scenic designers mainly painted backdrops for theatrical productions, but by the time Ricketts qualified the trade also included the creation of three dimensional props and lighting effects. He worked as an independent contractor, but low wages, an economic depression and missed opportunities forced him to take on additional jobs, including loading luggage on to trains and a bit part in 'Robbery Under Arms'.

Ricketts eventually turned to management and became manager of Wonderland City, which was owned by theatrical entrepreneur William Anderson. Spread over 20 acres at Tamarama, Wonderland City was the largest open air amusement park in the southern hemisphere. It opened in 1906 and closed five years later.

References:
Richards, Leann, ‘Making a Scene in the 1800s’, Stage Whispers. Accessed 15 December 2020. http://www.stagewhispers.com.au/history/making-scene-1800s
Library acquisition file

Vendor purchased the papers in 2008 from Len Hend who was married to a descendant of Jack Ricketts.

Jack Ricketts papers comprising correspondence with business colleagues, scenic designers, friends and family, including letters from Edward Vaughan, Alfred Tischbauer, Harry Rickards, and Charles Holloway, 1880-1948; Ricketts' indenture at the age of sixteen years and six months as apprentice to Maximilian Meyer from 1 June 1881; material relating to scenic designs and designers, approximately 1886-1909; letters and constitution relating to The Society of Scenic Artists of Australasia; documents relating to the foundation of the Stage Hands Union and the Australian Theatrical Alliance, approximately 1890-1936; Ricketts' business records including accounts, receipts and commissions for work; letters from William Pitt, architect, regarding the construction of a theatre in Melbourne for William Anderson; and letters and other material relating to William Anderson’s enterprises such as his theatrical productions, Wonderland City, and Wonderland Circus, including the tour to Brisbane in 1907.

Copyright restrictions may apply:
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales and Courtesy copyright holder