This week we ask our readers to take a look at the first ever Holiday Gift Catalog for a selection of truly unique items. The proceeds support the work of the Municipal Archives and Library.
Impress friends and family with knowledge of park designer Frederick Law Olmsted that you glean from the Municipal Archives book publication, The Central Park: Original Designs for New York’s Greatest Treasure. With the 200th anniversary of Olmsted’s birth coming up in April 2022, and Central Park considered by many to be his masterpiece, the book will certainly be a popular gift. (And stay tuned for more info about the many events celebrating the Olmsted Bi-Centennial next spring.)
The Central Park: Original Designs for New York’s Greatest Treasure. By Cynthia S. Brenwall, New York City Municipal Archives, Abrams 2019.
The photographs featured in the catalog include some of the most popular and iconic images from the Archives collections. The pictures of the Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queensboro Bridges were taken by Department of Bridges photographer Eugene de Salignac using a large-format camera. The sale prints have been produced from super-high-res. scans that capture all the fantastic detail from the original 8”x10” negatives. Or, choose evocative photos of Grand Central Terminal and the Flatiron Building taken by WPA photographers in the 1930s.
BPS III 544: Manhattan Bridge from Washington Street looking west, Brooklyn, June 5, 1908. Eugene de Salignac, Department of Bridges/Plant and Structures Collection, NYC Municipal Archives.
And for truly unique one-of-a-kind gifts consider a selection from the limited supply of original redeemed vintage bonds and stock certificates dating from the 1920s to the 1980s. Beautifully illustrated with ornate artwork, multi-color logos and symbols, they are desirable for both their historical significance and as distinctive objects.
Original Bonds range in size from 8 ¾” x 12 ¼” to 17” x 20” and are priced between $120.00 and $250.00.
The holiday catalog also offers the opportunity to support conservation of historical documents. Interested persons may choose from a selection of maps, books, drawings and documents from the Municipal Archives and Municipal Library collections that are in a state of disrepair and make a contribution to fund the necessary conservation treatments. The “Adopt New York’s Past,” program is sponsored by the New York Archival Society, DORIS’ affiliated 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Donors are commemorated by a label with the physical item and a note in the catalog that includes their name and an acknowledgement of the gift. (Requests to remain anonymous will also be honored.) Upon completion of the conservation treatment, the donor receives a report describing what was done.
And take a look at the beautiful buttons reproducing drawings of Central Park tiles, and the Brooklyn Bridge tote; there is certainly something for everyone in the catalog.
These handsome buttons reproduce original encaustic tile designs by Jacob Wrey Mould for Central Park’s Bethesda Terrace.
Enjoy the holidays!