Pop-up book: Dick Tracy: The Capture of Boris Arson

The popular comic-strip character Dick Tracy was created by Chester Gould for the Chicago Tribune in 1931. Harold Lentz, the paper engineer for this as well as for several other Blue Ribbon Books and Pleasure Books publications in the 1930s, was a master of beautifully crafted pop-up scenes.

Written and illustrated by Chester Gould (19001985)
Paper engineering by Harold Lentz
Published by Pleasure Books
Chicago, IL, 1935
Smithsonian Institution Libraries. PZ7 .G68Di 1935

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