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.