Press Release
The Magnavox Historical Preservation Association is pleased to announce the opening of a new exhibit titled, “Magnificent Magnavox: The Art of Marketing during World War II.”
The exhibit will be open from September 1 – September 29 in the Mason House Gallery at the General Morgan Inn and Conference Center in historic downtown Greeneville. A reception will be held on Thursday, September 5 beginning at 5:00 pm with comments being made at 5:30 pm. The public is invited to attend. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
Magnavox developed an advertising campaign during World War II which featured the art of three illustrators: Boris Chaliapin, Walter Richards, and Harry Anderson. Originally intended as a means of stimulating an interest in good music during the grim war days, the two series, “Famous Musicians” and “Dramatic Incidents in the Lives of Immortal Composers,” proved both instructive and enjoyable for adults and children. Subsequently, Magnavox offered a portfolio of ten of the original illustrations.
The exhibit will show copies of the original ads, images from the portfolio, as well as information on the three illustrators with examples of their other works.
The rare collection of advertising comes from the collection of the Magnavox Historical Preservation Association. The exhibit was developed by the Board of the Association which includes: George Collins, President; Bill Bradley, Vice-President; Mary Cansler Jones, Treasurer; Christina Potts, Secretary; and Directors E. J. Swatsell, Ricky Shepherd, Steven Bible, and Ex Officio Director Scott Niswonger.
Mark your calendars for September! See examples of advertising art from the “Golden Age of Illustration” and learn about this unique marketing program of the “Great Voice.” In addition to the exhibit there will be several examples of Magnavox units on display in the lobby of the General Morgan. For information call 423-525-0240 or e-mail [email protected].
The Magnavox Historical Preservation Association, based in Greeneville, is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization, committed to the preservation and interpretation of The Magnavox Company through its collections, exhibitions, and educational programs. The Association acknowledges the support given for this exhibit by the Greeneville Arts Council and the General Morgan Inn and Conference Center.
