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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Cartoon Drawing
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Cartoon Drawing

Artifact ID1973.1.2980
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Artist (1923 - 2018)
Gifter
Date 1966
Medium Ink on stationery
DimensionsOverall H 11 in x W 8 1/2 in (27.9 cm x 21.6 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. Five men, Lieutenant Fuzz, Sarge Snorkel, Beetle Bailey, Private Zero, and Killer Diller, and a dog, Otto, from Beetle Bailey, with tears in their eyes, are holding signs ("Help the Homeless" and "(Please--)"). On Mort Walker letterhead. Additional text across the bottom: “Dear Mr. President, Couldn’t you find a little spot in your big national art complex to make a home for poor cartoon characters like this? See how nice we asked? Yours truly”. Additional text across the bottom: “P.S. If this isn’t art I’ll eat it.”. Artist signature lower right: "Mort Walker".
Historical NoteDuring Lyndon Johnson’s presidency, several cartoonists sent him letters urging him to establish a National Cartoon Center, a museum of political cartoons, comic books, newspaper comics, animation, and other cartoons. Eventually the Museum of Graphic Arts, a museum without a specific building, was established that covered graphic arts from the fifteenth century to the 1960s.
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.
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place Made
Greenwich
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