Author: Morel, Paula (1905-1996)
Title: Papers
Level: Collection
RefNo: PM
Vol: 3 boxes
Dates: 1925-1990

Paula Morel (1905-1996) first came to Dartington Hall in 1927 as Leonard and Dorothy Elmhirst's housekeeper. Born Dorothy Carter, she changed her name to Paula to avoid confusion with her employer. She married Roger Morel, manager of the Dartington orchards and cider press.

Prior to working at Dartington, Paula had been a model for the artist Eric Gill. Paula studied modern dance at Dartington with Margaret Barr and performed professionally with Barr's Dance-Mime troupe in 1934. She also studied acting under Michael Chekov, appearing in many productions at the Barn Theatre and also in London.

Paula contributed to many activities at Dartington Hall, she was Dartington's librarian, wardrobe mistress, and in later years worked part-time as a flower arranger for the Elmhirst Centre. Paula was also a founder and curator of the Devonshire Collection of Period Costume, Totnes.

The papers reflect Paula Morel's many and varied roles, and includes correspondence with and about Dorothy Elmhirst; Roger Morel; Mark Tobey; Louise Soelberg; Alan Rawsthorne; Bernard Leach; Maurice Browne; Whitney Straight; Jane (Sylvia) Fox-Strangways; and Margaret Barr.