Clem Hall

Clem Hall was a British artist of exceptional skill, hired and trained to be a scenic artist by George Gibson at MGM after meeting through the California Watercolor Society. Admired by his peers as one of the best scenic artists of his day, his MGM credits include An American in Paris (1951) and Lust for Life (1956). Following the retirement of Paramount’s first lead scenic artist, P. T. “Blacky” Blackburn, Hall became the lead and supervising scenic artist at Paramount from 1958 to 1970. Hall painted iconic portraits of Ann-Margret, Bette Davis, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Hedy Lamarr, and many others at Paramount. His scenic backings at Paramount include Li’l Abner (1959), Bonanza (the 1960s), On a Clear Day You Can See Forever (1970), and Rosemary’s Baby (1968). After Clem completed painting for Disneyland’s iconic Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, he worked in Glendale, California, as a lead at Walt Disney Studios from 1970 to 1983, working as an Imagineer, concept designer, and illustrator until his retirement.

Ferrell, Wilbur (scenic artist). 2013. Interview with Karen Maness for the Art Directors Guild Oral History Project, July. Isackes, Richard M., Maness, Karen L. 2016. The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop, ReganArts