Society of Illustrators - 1920s

1920s

In 1920, the Society was incorporated, and women became full members. The 1920s and 1930s were the heyday of the Illustrator's Shows. These theatrical skits featured the artists and their models as actors, songwriters, set designers and painters. Professional talent such as the Cotton Club band and Jimmy Durante also performed. Through member Watson Barrett, the Illustrator's Show of 1925 was held at the Shubert Theatre, and the Shuberts purchased the rights to the skits for their Broadway productions of Artists and Models.

In time, those funds allowed the Society to acquire its present headquarters, at 128 East 63rd Street. Norman Rockwell's Dover Coach became the backdrop for the bar on the fourth floor. This painting currently hangs in the Members Dining Room.

During World War II, the Society again contributed to the effort with a massive campaign of posters, illustrations and visits to veterans’ hospitals to sketch the wounded. These pictures were sent to families to help boost morale. The Illustrator's Jazz Band was formed to entertain the wounded. In 1946, a Welfare Fund for indigent artists was established. In 1948, the Joint Ethics Committee developed the first Code of Fair Practice. Lectures and demonstrations filled the house during those years.

In 1954, the U.S. Air Force began sending members around the world to document its activities. This program continues today. Thousands of paintings have been contributed over the years. The first Scholarship Fund was established in the early 50s and, in 1959, Norman Rockwell became the first member elected to the Society's hall of fame.