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Object Timeline

  • We acquired this object.

1934

  • Work on this object began.

2016

2017

2025

  • You found it!

Mural Detail, The World of Radio

This is a Mural detail. It was made for Jessica Dragonette. It is dated 1934. Its medium is cotton and its technique is wax resist dyeing (batik) on plain weave.

In 1929, Admiral Richard Byrd established exploration bases at the South Pole. NBC hosted biweekly programs for Byrd and his men, and Dragonette sang for one in 1929. A banner next to Byrd reads, “Broadcasting to Byrd at the South Pole.” Arthur Gordon Smith, Canadian artist and creator of The World of Radio, appears to the left with his palette, brushes, and paints.

It is credited Gift of Nicholas Meredith Turner in memory of Jessica Dragonette.

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition The World of Radio.

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/1108721973/ |title=Mural Detail, The World of Radio |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=11 February 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>