John Wesley Hyatt Award Medal (reverse)

Paul Manship, John Wesley Hyatt Award Medal (reverse), 1942, lead, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Paul Manship, 1966.47.121
Copied Paul Manship, John Wesley Hyatt Award Medal (reverse), 1942, lead, 3 in. (7.7 cm) diam., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Paul Manship, 1966.47.121

Artwork Details

Title
John Wesley Hyatt Award Medal (reverse)
Artist
Date
1942
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
3 in. (7.7 cm) diam.
Credit Line
Bequest of Paul Manship
Mediums
Mediums Description
lead
Classifications
Subjects
  • Allegory — arts and sciences — science
  • Object — other — wreath
  • Object — tool — measuring device
Object Number
1966.47.121
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1966.47.121

Artwork Description

John Wesley Hyatt (1837-1920) invented celluloid in 1869 as an alternative to the ivory used to produce billiard balls. Hyatt established the Celluloid Manufacturing Company in 1871, and the new material proved useful for millions of objects produced over the next seventy years. The Hyatt Award is given annually by the Society of Plastics Engineers. On this die trial of the reverse of Paul Manship’s medal, a chemical beaker, interlocking gears, and drafting tools symbolize innovation in science and industry.