Collection CHC0476 - Federico Sánchez Villalba Papers

Federico Sánchez Villalba, born on September 17, 1912 and died on July 8, 1965, was one of five children to América Ruiz García and José Sánchez Villalba.

He began to show interest in drawing at the age of eleven. This led him to design in some of the most famous fashion houses such as Bernahew, Horas, Salas, and others. He also triumphed with the designs he presented for the ballets of the "Pro Arte Musical."

In 1933, he left Cuba for the United States where he attended classes at New York's Grand Central School of Art for a year. It was at that learning institution that Villalba further developed his skill at designing fashion. He returned to Cuba and became the editor of a magazine that was collaborated by different artists, poets, and writers. The magazine was titled Sketches and it was published between 1938 and 1939.

As he grew in talent and recognition, he continued to receive more awards. In Cuba he received awards and recognition for his artistic endeavors. In 1936, he received an honorable mention in Circulo de Bellas Artes and had two art exhibitions at the Lyceum in Havana. In October 1941, Villalba had his first one man art show at the Lyceum in Havana.

Villalba was also well known for his stage and costume designs that he created for different dance companies throughout Cuba. In 1937, he designed for the ballet company of Maria Andrews. He also decorated for the "La Fiesta de la Guitarra," (the party of the guitar) which was organized by the Society for Art and Music in Cuba. In 1940, he designed the ballet "Dioné," and in March of 1941, he designed costumes for "Muñecos Fantasticos," and during that same period, he also designed costumes for "Scheherezade."