Armitage, Merle, 1893-1975

Merle Armitage was born in 1893 on a farm outside Mason City, Iowa. He had many jobs over the years, beginning as a train engineer before taking a job as a graphic designer for the Packard Motor Car Company. His next career was as a set designer for New York theaters, which later turned into a long stint in the theater promotion business. Armitage also managed various performers and their concert tours. He co-founded the Los Angeles Grand Opera Association and was its business manager, and also managed the Los Angeles Philharmonic auditorium from 1933 to 1939. In addition to his theater work, Armitage was involved with writing and designing books, as well as serving as the art director for various magazines (including 'Quick' and 'Look'). Over one hundred books are attributed to him. He was also the president of the American Institute of Graphic Arts. Merle Armitage died March 15, 1975.

From the description of Merle Armitage collection, 1919-1971. (University of California, Los Angeles). WorldCat record id: 505844682

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