The Don Young Felliniana Archive began in 1994, with the purchase of a
single poster from a dealer in San Francisco. It was a U.S 1-sheet from
the 1973 film, Amarcord. As of January,2005 the archive, the largest privately
owned Fellini archive, consists of over 5000 items related to Fellini and
his 24 films.
Included in the collection are roughly 300 vintage Fellini posters from
over 20 countries, including extremely rare Russian and eastern European
artifacts; rare promo materials such as pressbooks, stills, programs and
lobby cards; dozens of rare soundtrack recordings and little-seen video
footage; and a large selection of vintage magazines and newspapers from
all over the world which feature forgotten and insightful Fellini interviews,
as well as one of the most complete libraries on the life and work of the
Maestro, most of which are extremely rare and out of print.
My fascination with all things Fellini began with a chance viewing of
Juliet of the Spirits, in a marijuana-smoke-filled art house in Fort Worth
Texas. I was 19 years old and had no idea who Fellini was, nor did I know
anything about the complex nature of the film. Nevertheless, like many
others at the time, I was mesmerized by the striking images flashing on
the big screen. The magic of Fellini had taken another captive.
Why such an obsession with Fellini and how did it lead to such an enormous
collection? The films, of course are at the root of my interest. The touching
and often humorous stories and the fantastic imagery struck a chord with
me unlike any other director's work. That interest begat a desire to learn
more of the man behind the films. Thus, the book collection began. The
movie poster graphics, often as arresting as the films, appealed to the
art lover/collector in me. What better way to decorate my home and studio?
And of course, my life would not be complete without the music of Nino
Rota. Once again, the collection grew as I located the various soundtracks
and related recordings.
The truth is that I'm a born collector. And like all collectors, the
best part of collecting is sharing it all with an appreciative audience.
Don Young
September 23, 2003 |
