Name/Title
Branding, Pamphlet: GM Electro-Motive Division Commission, 1957Description
A 1957 pamphlet made to accompany a custom placemat set. The pamphlet is offset print in brown ink on textured tan colored paper.
The pamphlet states, “ We commissioned Mr. Wert to create something precisely in keeping with the occasion. He responded with this quaint conception of the history of illumination, fancifully depicted by instruments thereof as they might be grouped in a replica of an early American Kitchen.” The pamphlet also indicates that the silkscreens for this commission were destroyed upon completion of the run and this design would never be commercially available .
The commissioned placemat set shown (collection of Kathie Ferguson) is a four-screen/six-color print on off-white linen offering a review of lighting fixtures and illuminants from the Colonial era through early electricity. Fixtures include a Betty lamp, candlesticks and a candle sconce, a chandelier, a perforated tin lantern, a rush light holder, oil lamps, and at top center, an electric bulb with a pull chain (the chain has a dangling rooster fob, and the knob-and-tube electrical wiring is tacked to the face of the beam from left to center). A Country Prints pamphlet explaining the design was included with the set; see third and fourth images.
The Country Prints product tag states, “Designed by Robert Darr Wert for Electro-Motive Division of General Motors” (producer of electric locomotive train engines). These placemat sets were produced as gifts for an annual company convention and executive party. Wert produced at least three commissions for Electro-Motive’s annual meetings: two sets of placemats featuring early lighting fixtures and a set of three tiles illustrating Boston landmarks and their lighting fixtures produced in 1958.
This is the first of the three Country Prints commissions for GM Electro-Motive Division. It was produced for a party at their convention held at the South Shore Country Club in Chicago, June 4, 1957. The convention was held in a different city each year.Made/Created
Artist Information
Artist
Robert Darr WertRole
ArtistManufacturer
Country PrintsDate made
1957Time Period
20th CenturyPlace
Location
Gill MA.Continent
North AmericaDimensions
Dimension Description
Pamphlet, FoldedWidth
3-3/4 inDepth
12 inDimension Description
Pamphlet, OpenWidth
7-1/2 inDepth
11 in
