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George Carlson Collection

 Collection
Identifier: MGHL-00025

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

Contact:
Andrea Degener, Interim Curator
West Campus Library
7425 Forsyth Blvd
Clayton MO 63105 US
(314) 935-5495