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Object Timeline

1958

  • Work on this object began.

1984

  • We acquired this object.

2006

2015

2016

2025

  • You found it!

Sidewall, Cat and Canary

This is a sidewall. It was designed by John Rombola and manufactured by Harben Papers, Inc.. It is dated 1958 and we acquired it in 1984. Its medium is screen printed. It is a part of the Wallcoverings department.

Rombola’s designs are whimsical, a mix of naïve and fantastical, and most often full of color and pattern. The simple line illustrations, often quite gestural, are reminiscent of the creations of Saul Steinberg (1914-1999). Though unlike Steinberg, Rombola’s characters and motifs are composed of intricate patterns and bright colors. This design contains amusing renderings of cats and birds getting along graciously, apparently within the confines of the same enclosure.

This object was donated by John Rombola. It is credited Gift of John Rombola.

Its dimensions are

279 x 76 cm (109 13/16 x 29 15/16 in. )

Cite this object as

Sidewall, Cat and Canary; Designed by John Rombola (American, b. 1933); Manufactured by Harben Papers, Inc.; USA; screen printed; 279 x 76 cm (109 13/16 x 29 15/16 in. ); Gift of John Rombola; 1984-102-2

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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/18801209/ |title=Sidewall, Cat and Canary |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=10 February 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>