John Wesley Hyatt Award Medal (reverse)

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: Paul Manship
Date: 1942
Location: Not on view
Dimensions: 3 in. (7.7 cm) diam.
Credit Line: Bequest of Paul Manship
Mediums: lead
Mediums Description: lead
Classifications: Sculpture
Medal-Sample
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.