A new exhibit, on display on the 5th floor of Langsam Library, features monthly calendars produced by the Strobridge Lithography Company.

Ranging from 1897 to 1917, the calendar cards are exquisite examples of Art Nouveau design in America, showing the artistry and printing skills of the company. The cards functioned as “home advertising” for the firm and were meant to be displayed on a kitchen or office wall. The color separations are remarkable, and the vivid beauty of the illustrations perfectly captures the collaboration between artist and craftsman.

Tracing its origin to 1847 and a small Cincinnati stationery store, the Strobridge Lithography Company was at one time one of America’s most important lithography firms.  Its signature products were circus, theater, and movie posters, and it was a rare city that did not display Strobridge’s work in some fashion.

The exhibit was curated by Janice Schulz, University Records Manager and Archives Specialist, and designed and produced by Cole Osborn, DAAP student. The Langsam exhibit compliments an online exhibit produced by the Archives and Rare Books Library.