Elaine Rawlinson
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Elaine Rawlinson (January 26, 1911 - October 19, 1989)[1] was an American artist known for being the first female stamp designer in the United States.
Education[edit]
Rawlinson graduated from the National Academy of Design School in 1934. She spend time studying at the Beaux-Arts Institute and the Pennsylvania Fines Arts Country School.[2]
Work[edit]
In 1933 Rawlinson won a competition to design a stamp that honored past presidents. This was the first national competition for stamp design hosted by the United States Post Office Department. The stamp design was for a presidential series to feature George Washington, in what would become the Presidential Series of 1938, or the 'Prexies'.[3] Rawlinson submitted her design based on sculptor Jean Antoine Houdon's bust of Washington,[4] and she won the top prize for which she received $500.[5] She was also the first U.S. stamp designer who did not work for the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.[6] The stamp went on sale in 1938.[4]
Rawlinson was also responsible for designing the Philippines' 2-centavos stamp, featuring Jose Rizal y Mercado, in 1940.[7][2]
See also[edit]
- Lily Spandorf, the second female stamp designer in the U.S.
- Catherine L. Manning, noted American philatelist and judge for the 1938 competition.
References[edit]
- ^ Jay, Alex (2015-06-08). "Tenth Letter of the Alphabet: Creator: Elaine Rawlinson". Tenth Letter of the Alphabet. Retrieved 2023-11-19.
- ^ a b Kiss, Mary (1986-02-17). "Artist put her stamp on history". Kingsport Times-News. pp. [1], [2]. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
- ^ West, Chris (2014-10-28). A History of America in Thirty-six Postage Stamps. Macmillan. ISBN 978-1-250-04368-9.
- ^ a b Hatcher, James B. (1938-04-14). "World of Stamps". Ledger-Star. p. 12. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
- ^ "Wins stamp prize". Journal and Courier. 1937-10-02. p. 1. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
- ^ Parker, Melody (April 24, 2012). "Elaine Rawlinson: first female U.S. stamp designer". postalmuseum.si.edu. Retrieved 2023-11-19.
- ^ "FILIPINOS ACCEPT DESIGN; Suggestion From Miss Elaine Rawlinson of New York Approved for 2-Centavos". The New York Times. 1940-12-29. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-11-19.