University of Texas at Austin

Norman Bel Geddes (American, 1893-1958)
Preliminary sketch of a plan for lighting the Chicago World’s Fair grounds
Ca. 1930
Crayon and charcoal on paper
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Norman Bel Geddes Database

Job 182, Chicago World's Fair Illuminating Plan, 1929-1930

Summary: Harvey Wiley Corbett, chairman of the Architectural Commission of the Chicago World's Fair, hired Bel Geddes as the Consultant for Illumination for the 1933 Chicago World's Fair. Geddes's designs include plans for both the grounds and specific buildings, including five sketches for transparent buildings. The fairgrounds were located on the shore of Lake Michigan, and Geddes also created plans for lighting on the water, including "great jets of steam with a play of colored lights" (Norman Bel Geddes, unpublished lighting plan, 1930, Norman Bel Geddes Papers, Harry Ransom Center).

Hunter Code: XH 3
Hunter Guide: page 249


(click image for description)

Box/Location Folder Description
flat file e 1 Preliminary Sketches --- Overhead perspective sketch of fairgrounds, 17 Dec. 1929 (drawing #01).
flat file e 2 Preliminary Sketches --- Pencil sketch of plans for light on water (drawing #02).
theater box 199 e 3 Preliminary Sketches --- Crayon sketch of lighted tower (drawing #03).
theater box 199 e 4 Preliminary Sketches --- Pencil sketch of elevation of fountain of light (drawing #04).
flat file e 5 Preliminary Sketches --- Crayon sketch of lighted fairgrounds (drawing #05).
theater box 199 e 6 Preliminary Sketches --- Pencil sketch of entrance building (drawing #06).
theater box 199 j 1 Correspondence --- Appointment as consultant for illumination, 1930.
theater box 199 n 1 Photostats --- 5 Plans and elevations of Transportation Building.

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