George Carlson Collection
This collection includes original artwork, preliminary sketches and mockups, published comic books, children's books, and dust jacket covers and books by George Carlson, mainly dating between the 1920s and 1960s.
Dates
- Creation: 1913-1962
Conditions Governing Access
There are no restrictions to access.
Conditions Governing Use
Some restrictions, please contact the Modern Graphic History Library Curator at (314) 935-7741 or spec@wumail.wustl.edu. Users of the collection must read and abide by the Rules for the Use of Modern Graphic History Library materials. Users of the collections who wish to use items from this collection, in whole or in part, in any form of publication (as defined in the form) must sign and submit to the Washington University Department of Special Collections, a hard copy of the Notification of intent to publish Modern Graphic History Library materials form. All publication not covered by fair use restricted to those who have permission of the copyright holder.
Extent
18.00 linear feet
Collection Historical Note
George Carlson (1887-1962) was an American illustrator, mostly known for the Gone with the Wind book jacket design and his Jingle Jangle Comics. The majority of Carlson's works were created between the 1920s and the 1940s, however, he worked until his death in 1962. Carlson also contributed to the Crypt of Civilization, which is a room-sized capsule located under Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Georgia (to be opened in 8113 A.D).
Carlson created art and illustrations for children's books, comics, periodicals, comics, crossword puzzles, games, riddles, and more. He was commissioned to work on several of John Martin's children's books, including the Wanamaker's Jollybook for Boys and Girls. His work was diverse and whimsical, and he was highly influential to many artists and illustrators.
This collection includes a wide variety of Carlson's published materials, including several issues of the Jingle Jangle Comics, John Martin's books, Treasure Chest publications, and a wide variety of books both created by and commissioned to Carlson. The collection also holds several of his preliminary sketches, mockups, and original artwork, including some sketches for Alec in Fumbleland, Simple Simon, crosswords, puzzles, games, and books. The third series of the collection contains materials pertaining to Carlson's personal and professional development, including reference materials and items for the Crypt of Civilization project.
References and Resources:
Figuring Out George Carlson, Part 1 and Part 2, by Paul Tumey, 2013.
Perfect Nonsense: The Chaotic Comics and Goofy Games of George Carlson by George Carlson, edited by Daniel Yezbick, 2014.
Note written by Andrea Degener.
Arrangement Note
The collection is arranged into the following series: Series I: Published Books and Materials Series II: Original Artwork, Mockups, and Sketches Series III: Personal and Professional Development
Method of Acquisition
This collection was purchased from Stefana Williams by the Modern Graphic History Library in September 2013.
Accruals
Accrual purchase was made in October 2014 and was processed at the same time as the original purchase. Accruals are interfiled with the collection.
Processing Information
The collection was processed by Alexis Peregoy in August 2015.
- Title
- George Carlson Collection
- Author
- Alexis Peregoy
- Date
- 00/00/2015
- Description rules
- dacs
- Language of description
- eng
Revision Statements
- 2015-08: This finding aid was entered into Archon by Alexis Peregoy in August 2015.
- 2020-12-07: Data clean up started by Andrea Degener.
- 2020: Resource record updated in ArchivesSpace by Andrea Degener.
Collecting Area Details
Part of the Dowd Illustration Research Archive Collecting Area
Andrea Degener, Interim Curator
West Campus Library
7425 Forsyth Blvd
Clayton MO 63105 US
(314) 935-5495
spec@wumail.wustl.edu