Tony Sarg: Genius at Play: Adventures in Illustration, Puppetry, and Popular Culture

Tony Sarg (1880–1942) was an American artist who gained fame for his touring puppet shows, animated films, children's books, and Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons. This book, published to coincide with a major exhibition, surveys his diverse career and includes imagery and artifacts from numerous public and private collections. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of popular culture.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 18 September 2023
Publisher: Abbeville Press Inc.,U.S.

Tony Sarg, an American artist born in Guatemala to a diplomatic family, achieved professional success as an illustrator in London and New York. However, his fame skyrocketed in the 1920s with his captivating touring puppet shows based on classic tales like Alice in Wonderland and Robinson Crusoe. By seamlessly blending the traditional art of marionette performances with a playful contemporary approach, Sarg's productions laid the groundwork for American puppetry. It's worth noting that Jim Henson, a renowned puppeteer and creator of The Muppets, can be considered a direct artistic descendant of Sarg.

But Sarg's artistic prowess extended far beyond puppetry. He was a pioneer in animated films and children's books, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Additionally, as a longstanding designer for Macys, he invented the enormous balloons that have become synonymous with the firm's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Notably, he even employed one of his parade balloons in the infamous Nantucket Sea Serpent hoax of 1937.

To commemorate the remarkable career of Tony Sarg, this extensively illustrated volume, published in conjunction with a major exhibition organized by the Norman Rockwell Museum, offers a comprehensive survey of his diverse accomplishments. It brings together a vast array of imagery and artifacts from numerous public and private collections, providing a deep insight into Sarg's life and work. Special sections focus on his long association with the picturesque island of Nantucket and his profound influence on American puppetry.

Whether you're a fan of art, history, or popular culture, Tony Sarg: Genius at Play is a must-read. It delves into the life and legacy of a remarkable artist who left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.

Dimension: 280 x 254 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780789214553