Pop-up book: Cowboys in Pop-up Action Pictures

This colorful childrens pop-up book, created primarily for boys, tells the story of the Old West through action-packed scenes of cowboys participating in a rodeo, breaking a wild horse, herding cattle, and riding on the trail.

Created by E. Joseph Dreany
Published by Publicity Products
London, England, 1951
Smithsonian Institution Libraries. F596 .D77 1951

Wall Stories: Children's Wallpapers and Books
On view: October 3, 2008April 5, 2009

This exhibition will explore the relationship between wallpapers and books created for children through works from the permanent collection and the National Design Library. From their beginning in the 1870s, children's wallpapers have been strongly influenced by literature and popular culture. Works on view will include papers illustrated with nursery rhymes and designs inspired by works of fiction and adventure, such as Peter Rabbit, Alice in Wonderland, and Cinderella. The exhibition also will trace the evolution of children's books from instructional to fictional and include developments such as movable and pop-up books, which added an interactive element to children's reading.

Wall Stories: Childrens Wallpaper and Books is made possible in part by public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, a State agency. Additional support is provided in part by Esme Usdan, Margery and Edgar Masinter, The Liman Foundation and The Walt Disney Company.