Feature Points
- VINTAGE PRINT REPRODUCTION: Historic reproduction of 1939 Chicago Buckingham Fountain Poster. Printed on archival-grade paper that resists fading and discoloration for over 100 years. Perfect for home, office, or gallery display
- PREMIUM GALLERY PAPER: Heavyweight fine art paper with non-reflective matte finish eliminates glare while delivering museum-grade appearance and lasting durability.
- PROFESSIONALLY RESTORED: Each image is digitally restored by our art specialists to remove age-related deterioration while preserving authentic historical details and character.
- BORDERLESS DESIGN: Artwork prints edge-to-edge for a seamless, gallery-ready appearance. Ships protected in rigid tube packaging to prevent damage and ensure perfect condition upon arrival.
- MADE IN USA: Our multi-step restoration process and quality control ensure each print meets professional standards. Every reproduction is individually inspected before shipping.
Additional Information
Produced in 1939 by artist John Buczak for the Illinois Federal Art Project, this exceptional poster captures Buckingham Fountain against Chicago's skyline, celebrating civic achievement and architectural grandeur. Created during the WPA era, this promotional artwork depicts the fountain's dramatic water displays, emphasizing its status as the world's largest illuminated fountain. Buczak's composition bears the distinctive modernist aesthetic of Federal Art Project design, utilizing bold geometric forms and dramatic perspectives. The artwork served as tourism promotion and civic propaganda, documenting Chicago's transformation from the Great Fire into America's architectural showcase.
Buckingham Fountain, constructed in 1927 through Kate Buckingham's philanthropy, became Chicago's symbol of resilience during the Depression. It was during this period that the fountain transcended its purpose, as the Federal Art Project employed thousands of artists documenting American landmarks. Chicago emerged as a modernist design center, with the fountain embodying Burnham's 1909 lakefront beautification vision. The WPA's documentation reflected Roosevelt's belief that public art could restore national morale.
This remarkable piece offers a window into when philanthropy and federal investment celebrated urban achievement. The poster captures an era's optimism about public spaces inspiring civic pride. This extraordinary addition represents unique American urban history.
