Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
1939 New York World's Fair Concept Drawing
Artifact IDMO 1975.57
Object Type
Drawing, Architectural
Artist
Nembhard N. Culin
(American architect and designer, 1908 - 1990)
Date1939
Mediumpaper (cardboard), paint (watercolor, gouache)
Dimensionsoverall H 14 3/8 in x W 24 1/2 in (36.5 cm x 62.2 cm )
Physical DescriptionAn original watercolor and gouache conceptual illustration featuring a proposed design for an exhibit of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s stamp collection at the 1939 New York World's Fair in 1939. Against a black background, the stylized artwork shows visitors gathered near and around a low, round exhibit area encircled by a railing. Rising from the center of the display is a circular arrangement of vertical pennants representing various countries including the United States. The artist’s signature is in the lower right corner of the artwork: "N. Culin '39."
Pasted on the reverse of the artwork page is a March 22, 1939 explanatory letter to FDR’s personal secretary, Marguerite LeHandSecretary, from G. W. Nicholson, secretary to Howard A. Flanigan, Executive Vice President of New York World’s Fair 1939 Incorporated.
Historical NoteThe 1939 New York World's Fair, located in Flushing Meadows, New York, opened on April 30, 1939 and closed on October 27, 1940. President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave the opening speech in person which was televised throughout the Fair. His address was the first time that a president appeared on television.Pasted on the reverse of the artwork page is a March 22, 1939 explanatory letter to FDR’s personal secretary, Marguerite LeHandSecretary, from G. W. Nicholson, secretary to Howard A. Flanigan, Executive Vice President of New York World’s Fair 1939 Incorporated.
Nembhard N. Culin, the artist of this conceptual illustration, was a visual artist who created a poster for the 1939 New York World's Fair. Culin was also an architect for the firm Frost, Frost & Fenner which was heavily involved in designing several official pavilions on the World’s Fair fairgrounds in Queens, New York.Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated as a bequest of Franklin D. Roosevelt to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in 1947.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPrints and Paintings (National Archives Identifier 778817)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - PossiblyCopyrightCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.In Collection(s)
Not on view