Robert S. Smith papers, 1947-1982 and undated

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Summary

Creator:
Smith, Robert S. (Robert Sidney), 1904-1969
Abstract:
Robert S. Smith is a retired executive who worked as an art director for a number of advertising agencies including William H. Weintraub and Co.; Norman Craig and Kummel; and Ogilvy & Mather (O&M). The Robert S. Smith Papers span the years 1947 through 1982 and document Smith's work as an art director for several advertising agencies, including Norman Craig and Kummel; and Ogilvy & Mather (O&M). The materials consist primarily of sketches; paintings; photographs and contact sheets; advertising layouts and proofs; storyboards for television commercials; and house advertisements for O&M. Clients include Consolidated Cigar (El Producto and La Palina brands); Diageo (Gilbey's liquors), DuBonnet; General Foods (Maxim coffee, Gaines dog food); IBM; Maidenform; Mars; Nabisco; Rand McNally; Ronson; Schenley Distillers (Melrose liquors); and Toro. Also included are a set of sketches and drawings, some signed, by the artist Paul Rand. Acquired as part of the John W. Hartman Center for Sales, Advertising & Marketing History.
Extent:
16.5 Linear Feet
Language:
Material in English and Spanish.
Research Center:
John W. Hartman Center for Sales, Advertising & Marketing History
Collection ID:
RL.01219

Background

Scope and content:

The Robert S. Smith papers span the years 1947 through 1982 and document Smith's work as a commercial artist and art director for several advertising agencies, including Norman Craig and Kummel; and Ogilvy and Mather (O&M). The materials consist primarily of sketches; paintings; photographs and contact sheets; advertising layouts and proofs; storyboards for television commercials; and house advertisements for O&M. Clients include Consolidated Cigar (El Producto and La Palina brands); Diageo (Gilbey's liquors), DuBonnet; General Foods (Maxim coffee, Gaines dog food); IBM; Maidenform; Mars; Nabisco; Rand McNally; Ronson; Schenley Distillers (Melrose liquors); and Toro. Also included are a set of sketches, paintings and drawings, some signed, by the artist Paul Rand.

Biographical / historical:

Robert S. Smith served as Art Director for several advertising agencies, including: William H. Weintraub and Co.; Norman Craig and Kummel; Ogilvy and Mather (O&M); Fletcher Richards; and Calkins and Holden. He designed advertisements for National Distillers, U.S. Rubber, Revlon, Ronson, Rand McNally, Newsweek, and Consolidated Cigar Corporation, among others. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Morris Junior Museum, preparing brochures, posters and slides for lectures; photographs for exhibits; and a public relations film strip. He was also an active member of the Art Director's Club of New York. An avid photographer, Smith's photographs were published by Gilbey's, IBM, the National Guard, Folkways Records. He was once awarded third prize in a New York World-Telegram and Sun child photography contest.

Acquisition information:
The Robert S. Smith papers were received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book and Manuscript Library as a gift in 2000.
Processing information:

Processed by Jessica Wood, November 2008

Accession described in this finding aid: 2001-0021.

Arrangement:

Materials are arranged into four series by size: Small Format, Medium Format, Large Format and Extra Large Format. Within these series, items were grouped into subseries by genre: Brochures, Photographs, Proofs and Tearsheets, Sketches and Miscellaneous. Brochures include booklet-style advertistements. Photographs include photographs and contact sheets for several campaigns, including Milky Way and Gilbey's (Gin and Vodka). Proofs and Tearsheets include advertising proofs intended for publication in newspapers and magazines, as well as magazine and newspaper tearsheets and photostats. Items were separated into glossy and newsprint materials. Sketches include pencil, charcoal and pastel drawings for ad campaigns, as well as collages of glued paper items.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Contents

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Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

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Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Robert S. Smith papers, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Duke University.

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