Poster

Object number2014.35.1

Datec.1975

MediumPaper; ink; graphite

Credit LineGift of Timothy Noel Tegge.

DescriptionPaper poster with yellow, red, and blue ink. A clown's laughing face is depicted on the right side.Dimensions20.75 x 27.9999 in. (52.7 x 71.1 cm)
InscriptionsFront, left of center, red printed text: "TNT & / ROYAL / OLYMPIC / CIRCUS". Bottom edge, left of center, red printed text: "Triangle Poster Company, Pgh., Pa. 15208 o 412 371-0774". Handwritten in pencil in bottom right corner is "-1975-". Verso at left of center has handwritten text in purple ink "Ann / Loves / Rick / for-ever".
MarksBottom edge, left of center, red printed text: "Triangle Poster Company, Pgh., Pa. 15208 o 412 371-0774".
Historical NotesAfter returning from military service in World War II, David Rosenberg 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 poster 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. Triangle Poster and Printing Company still prints carnival and fair posters using wood blocks that were acquired over 50 years ago. This particular poster was printed for the donor's dad's show, the TNT & Royal Olympic Circus, and is somewhat rare according to the donor.

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