Leo “K” Kuter Papers

The Leo "K" Kuter papers span the years 1914-1979 (bulk 1921-1966) and encompass 48 linear feet. The collection consists of production files, subject files, and oversize drawings. The production files consist of a script, budgets, memos, and storyboard drawings for the films and television shows on which Kuter was art director. There is also some material, usually only a single drawing, for films Kuter did not work on, such as "Kings Row" (1942) and "Robin Hood" (1922). The subject files contain material relating to Kuter's professional life and interests, including material on art direction organizations, especially Cinemagundi, United Scenic Artists, and the Society of Motion Picture Art Directors. There are also a number of unidentified drawings, as well as drawings by art directors and sketch artists such as Anton Grot and Tyrus Wong. The oversize material makes up more than half of the collection and consists of drawings and storyboards collected by Kuter over the years. As with the production files, the oversize material covers films Kuter worked on as well as some films he was not involved with, such as "The Big Sleep" (1946) and "Gone with the Wind" (1939). There are also a great number of unidentified drawings and tentatively identified drawings. The majority of identified material relates to Warner Bros. films.

 

Gift of Kay E. Kuter and Jeane Kuter Harvey, 1991.