Bill Bohnert: A Group of Production Designs Comprising production design for Mahalia Jackson's Appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show Pencil and gouache over ozalid paper, 10 x 15 in., signed ('Bohnert') in the original ozalid, design of a stained glass window to be used onstage. With 2 snapshots dated April 1962 showing the installation of the final window and 3 snapshots of Jackson on stage with the window lit behind her. WITH: Original gouache on board, 10 ¼ x 21 ½ in. Unsigned, but with 3 snapshots of Checker performing in front of the actual screen dated May 1963, and another snapshot of an unidentified young man, dated July 1963, posing in front of the screen. WITH: eight illustrations in gouache, pencil, and ink, some on illustration paper and some over ozalid paper, various sizes, of various edifices and locations including a mosque, a house, a depot, a television studio, a steamboat, a living room parlor, a London stage, a small village with Victorian homes and a church, and two small detail illustrations. Various Sizes. Footnotes: Emmy Award-nominated Set Designer/Art Director Bill Bohnert stood by his philosophy, 'You can't keep going if you don't enjoy what you're doing,' and it explains his longevity in show business. He began his television career working on The Ed Sullivan Show as an assistant art director when the current director was hospitalized with a nervous breakdown! This red flag did not deter Bohnert, however, as he was thrilled to be working for the most popular show on television. Bohnert created as many as 6 original designs per show, 50 weeks a year, with the attendant construction which that involved - an astonishing accomplishment. He worked on the Sullivan show for a decade before moving on to dozens of variety and game shows including Donny and Marie, The Electric Company, American Gladiators, America's Funniest Home Videos, and many more. Wearing a choir robe, gospel singer and actress Mahalia Jackson practically shook the stage with her emotional rendition of 'Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?' with an off-screen backup choir on the April 15, 1962, episode of The Ed Sullivan Show. Close to the end of the number and before Jackson shakes the hand of Sullivan, the camera widens to reveal the beautiful stained glass backdrop designed by Bill Bohnert. Jackson appeared on the show multiple times with other Bohnert designs of religious imagery. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing