George Carlson Collection Now Available for Research
Students, staff, faculty, and any researcher can now visit the Modern Graphic History Library to view the George Carlson Collection.
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.