Collection primarily consists of 103 color and black and white illustrations advertising merchandise for the store. There are also illustrations promoting the staff and store events. In addition, store decorations are also included among the materials. Collection is arranged in three series: Series 1, Merchandise, 1963-1968; Series 2, Fashion Perspectives, 1967; and Series 3, Events and Holidays,1963-1968.,
Arrangement:
The collection is arranged in three series.
Series 1, Merchandise, 1963-1968
Series 2, Fashion Perspectives, 1967
Series 3, Events, circa 1963-1968
Biographical / Historical:
In 1913, Joseph Magnin (son of Isaac Magnin, founder of the I. Magnin stores) founded a department store bearing his name in San Francisco, California. In 1967, the chain reached its peak popularity with over thirty-two stores. It had become one of the premier luxury department store chains in the country. The Magnin family sold the chain to Amfac Corporation in 1969. In September 1984, bankruptcy closed the remaining twenty-four stores.
During the 1960s, Betty Brader (born 1923) became one of the chief illustrators of Joseph Magnin posters; this collection is comprised primarily of her work. She also worked for Neiman-Marcus, Saks, Franklin Simon, and various advertising agencies. Brader won numerous awards throughout her career for her innovative illustrations. Her style of fashion illustration is copied widely today by fashion illustrators. The posters she produced for Joseph Magnin were highly acclaimed in the San Francisco Bay Area. Brader died in 1986 after a long illness.
Related Materials:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
Estelle Ellis Collection (AC0423)
Dorothy Shaver Papers (AC0631)
Virginia "Jimmie" Booth Collection (AC0729)
NW Ayer Advertising Agency Records (AC0059)
Ming-Ju Sun Garfinckel's Fashion Drawings (AC0897)
California Shop Records (AC0572)
Division of Costume Audiovisual Collection (AC0801)
National Cotton Council Photographs and Film (AC1177)
Provenance:
This collection was donated to the Archives Center of the National Museum of American History in November 1984 by members of the Magnin family.
Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
Rights:
Reproduction restricted due to copyright or trademark. Museum received non-exclusive rights.
