The Ross Art Group Inc., a Midtown New York gallery has announced the exclusive exhibit and sale of the largest known collection of rare 1927 original Mather work incentive posters. The collection represents the largest known collection that were originally issued., 64 out of the 78 are represented. No other institutions own or exhibit as many as those represented in this particular unique group. The collection of posters were displayed in an actual metal working factory in Pennsylvania. The collection offered by Ross Art Group were used during that time in the factory and then put in the warehouse and covered. They were recovered when the factory closed after over 100 years of operating.
Each poster includes a colorful image along with a somewhat concise message using humor to drive home its point. Mather and Company posters were extremely popular during this time and were created to encourage the factory workers and increase productivity. The posters repeatedly extol the virtues of hard work, efficiency, and are representative of their time, and proper American workplace behavior.
Each poster is an original work of art that was created using stone lithography and printed in Chicago. Stone Lithography was the first printmaking technology that allowed a traditional artist to work using traditional techniques, and to create prints that could rival an original painting during the 1800s.
All posters offered are original from 1927. Each poster has stood the test of time remarkably well and have recently been mounted onto linen and professionally restored. These posters are rarely seen outside of institutions and for a collection like this to come up for sale is exceptional. The images include football, baseball, auto racing, horse racing, health, loyalty, and patriotism. Each measures 36” x 48.”