Mechanical book: Tony Sargs Treasure Book

This colorful movable book contains adaptations of Rip Van Winkle, Treasure Island, and Alices Adventures in Wonderland by Tony Sarg, a German-American craftsman and illustrator best known for creating puppets for the Macys Thanksgiving Day parade in 1928 and the 1933 Chicago Worlds Fair.

Created by Tony Sarg (18821942)
Published by B. F. Jay
New York, NY, ca. 1942
Smithsonian Institution Libraries. PZ7.S24 To 1942

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.