Object Timeline

-0001

1935

  • Work on this object began.

1963

  • We acquired this object.

2013

2015

2019

2024

  • You found it!

Drawing, Design for "Spring in the Country"

This is a Drawing. It was designed by Edward McKnight Kauffer and made for (as the client) London Passenger Transport Board. It is dated November 21, 1935 and we acquired it in 1963. Its medium is brush and gouache, pen and black ink, photomontage, and graphite on heavy paper. It is a part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design department.

This series of studies provides insight into Kauffer’s process. He would begin with a rough sketch and then refine it with gouache and collage, modifying the design to create multiple versions. Kauffer would present his final design in gouache and collage to his lithographer for translation into print.

This object was featured in our Object of the Week series in a post titled Anatomy of the Design Process.

This object was donated by Mrs. Edward McKnight Kauffer. It is credited Gift of Mrs. E. McKnight Kauffer.

Its dimensions are

37.8 × 23.8 cm (14 7/8 × 9 3/8 in.) (irregular)

It has the following markings

Verso, stamp in purple, center: DESIGNED BY/21 NOV. 1935/E MCK KAUFFER

It is inscribed

Inscribed in graphite, lower left quadrant: ?Block to correct/dimensions; verso, in graphite, lower center, upside down: BACK [encircled].

Cite this object as

Drawing, Design for "Spring in the Country"; Designed by Edward McKnight Kauffer (American, active England, 1890–1954); Client: London Passenger Transport Board (England, GB, United Kingdom); England; brush and gouache, pen and black ink, photomontage, and graphite on heavy paper; 37.8 × 23.8 cm (14 7/8 × 9 3/8 in.) (irregular); Gift of Mrs. E. McKnight Kauffer; 1963-39-511

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For higher resolution or commercial use contact ArtResource.

If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18448217/ |title=Drawing, Design for "Spring in the Country" |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=20 April 2024 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>