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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
LBJ's Upholstery Problem
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

LBJ's Upholstery Problem

Artifact ID1973.1.2152
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 20 1/2 in x W 14 1/8 in (52.1 cm x 35.9 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. A man (“McNamara”) sits in a chair with broken springs ("Unpreparedness") as LBJ and another man (“Rusk”) look on. Caption: “LBJ's Upholstery Problem”. Artist signature lower right: "Sandeson”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten across the bottom: "To-President Johnson with good wishes - Bill Sandeson".
Historical NoteBefore being appointed Secretary of Defense by John F. Kennedy, Robert McNamara had no experience in government, having been the president of Ford Motor Company.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from the general public to President Johnson during his term in office. It was received by President Johnson, until the President donated it to the Lyndon B Johnson Presidential Library in 1973.
Credit LineGift of Lyndon Baines Johnson
National Archives Catalog CollectionLyndon B. Johnson Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 192413)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 189698395)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum. The LBJ Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
Person Referenced Dean Rusk (United States, 1909 - 1994)
Person Referenced Robert McNamara (United States, 1916 - 2009)
Person Referenced Lyndon Baines Johnson (United States, 1908 - 1973)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place of Publication
Fort Wayne
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