National Portrait Gallery (Smithsonian Institution) Department of Exhibits and Design Search this
National Portrait Gallery (Smithsonian Institution) Department of Exhibits Design and Production Search this
Type:
Mixed archival materials
Date:
1970
1970-
Category:
Agency History
Notes:
This is an agency history. It does not describe actual records. The Smithsonian Institution Archives uses these histories as brief accounts of the origin, development, and functions of an office or administrative unit to set that unit in its historical context. To find information on record holdings, please double-click the highlighted field "Creator/Author", which will open on a brief view of relevant records.
Guide to the Smithsonian Archives
Smithsonian Institution, "The National Portrait Gallery," [http://www.npg.si.edu], accessed September 14, 1999.
The Department of Design and Production was created in 1970 to support the exhibition program of the National Portrait Gallery by providing exhibition-related services throughout the Gallery. The Department is responsible for the design and installation of public spaces, with emphasis on interpretations of the permanent collection and special exhibitions. Initially called the Department of Exhibits and Design, its services range from exhibition design and script writing and editing to all facets of exhibition production, including woodworking, plastics, taxidermy, painting, framing and silkscreening. In addition to exhibition production and installation work, the Department is also responsible for supporting brochure design, creation of interpretive panels, illustration work, and graphics for various offices within the Gallery.
James J. Shelton was named Chief of the Department in 1970 and J. Michael Carrigan as Assistant Chief. In 1973 the Department was renamed the Department of Exhibits Design and Production. Carrigan became the Chief of the Department the following year, succeeded by Nello R. Marconi, who served as Chief, 1977- . During Marconi's tenure the Department was renamed the Department of Design and Production.
For a history of the larger creating unit, refer to "Forms part of" above.
Repository Loc.:
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Capital Gallery, Suite 3000, MRC 507; 600 Maryland Avenue, SW; Washington, DC 20024-2520
