Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1860-2013 (Predominately 1971-2013) (Creation)
Level of description
Manuscript Collection
Extent and medium
152 boxes (25.5 metres)
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Frances Helen Dafoe, born December 17, 1929, Toronto, graduate of Branksome Hall; studied at the Parsons School of Design in New York City; later costume designer with CBC. Has designed costumes for theatre, ballet, skating, variety shows and dramas, including Rich Little and the Wayne and Shuster Show. Recipient of the Order of Canada, 1991; former Olympic figure skating pairs champion (with partner, Norris 'Norrie' Bowden); costume designer. She outfitted the performers for the closing ceremony at the 1988 Calgary Olympics. She died in 2016.
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Collection consists of material related to Frances Dafoe's life and work as a costume designer for television, theatre, and figure skating. Material includes original full colour drawings, fabric samples and notions, photographs, slides and rough sketches, as well as some project-related correspondence, audiovisual materials, and ephemera.