Images(8)

Block, Printing

Object number2007.3.98 a-d

Date1940-1949

MediumWood; paint; various metals

Credit LineGift of Alan Rosenberg

DescriptionSet of printing blocks.Dimensions(a) Height--.75 ; Width--11.75 ; Length--19.25
(b) Height--.75 ; Width--12 ; Length--15
(c) Height--1 ; Width--11.75 ; Length--11.5
(d) Height--.75 ; Width--8 ; Length--11.625

Inscriptions(a)
Back: In pencil, "...BLUE / OR / ...GREEN".

(b)
Back: Written in blue pencil, upside down, "YELLOW".

(c)
Back: Written in blue pencil, "HARNESS RACE / ORANGE".

(d)
Proper right edge, "SULKY RACE CUT" in light-colored paint.
Historical NotesAfter returning from military service in World War II, David Rosenberg, the donor Alan Rosenberg's father, purchased a small printing company in Pittsburgh that had been operating since the early 1900s (originally owned by Shapiro Brothers). Named the Triangle Poster and Printing Company for its original location near the Point of Pittsburgh, Rosenberg's company specialized in printing colorful circus and fair posters using wood blocks and wood type. This printing technique produced rich, saturated colors in comparison to off-set printing, which eventually replaced the wood-block method. As of 2007, Triangle Poster and Printing Company still prints carnival and fair posters using wood blocks that were acquired over 50 years prior.

Related person David Rosenberg

Related institution Triangle Poster Company

Subjects