Myra Walker's 'Dreams and Ideas' Chronicles Costume Designer Winn Morton
On April 6, 2026, Myra Walker, a former educator from the University of North Texas, released a publication titled 'Dreams and Ideas: The Artistry of Costume Designer Winn Morton,' through UNT Press. The book pays tribute to Winn Morton, a distinguished costume and set designer from Texas who lived from 1928 until 2022. Morton's journey into design began at the age of six, inspired by a circus performance in Dallas. He studied at Southern Methodist University and became a member of the United Scenic Artists in 1949. This work showcases his significant contributions to numerous renowned performances and fashion events, complemented by an essay from Holly Haber.
Key facts
- Myra Walker's book 'Dreams and Ideas: The Artistry of Costume Designer Winn Morton' was published by UNT Press on April 6, 2026.
- Winn Morton (1928-2022) was a Texas-born costume and set designer.
- Morton joined the United Scenic Artists union, Local 829, in 1949.
- He designed costumes for Broadway shows including 'Oklahoma!' and the 1964-65 New York World's Fair.
- Morton was head designer at Jones Beach Theater for 17 seasons starting in 1960.
- He designed every costume for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey tour in 1985-86.
- Morton designed the Texas Rose Festival coronation in Tyler from 1982 to 2019.
- The book includes an essay by Holly Haber on the Texas Rose Festival and the East Texas Oil Field.
Entities
Artists
- Myra Walker
- Winn Morton
- Peter Wolf
- Holly Haber
Institutions
- University of North Texas College of Visual Arts and Design
- Texas Fashion Collection
- Meadows Museum
- Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute
- UNT Press
- Six Flags Over Texas
- Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey
- Southern Methodist University
- Ringling School of Art
- Parsons School of Design
- United Scenic Artists union, Local 829
- Jones Beach Theater
- Roxy Theatre
- Neiman Marcus
- State Fair of Texas
- Texas Rose Festival
- Battle of the Flowers
- Margo Jones Theatre
- Glasstire
Locations
- Lancaster, Texas
- Dallas, Texas
- New York, New York
- Sarasota, Florida
- San Antonio, Texas
- Tyler, Texas
- Long Island, New York
- Arizona
- California
- Texas
- United States