Original vintage photograph taken at the 1933–1934 Century of Progress International Exposition in Chicago, Illinois.
The photograph shows a smartly dressed woman posing outside the General Motors Building at the Chicago World’s Fair. She wears a light-colored coat or dress, coordinating shoes and a wide-brimmed hat typical of early 1930s fashion.
The General Motors exhibition building is clearly visible behind her. Portions of the large “GENERAL MOTORS” and “GM” lettering can be seen, together with the names of several individual General Motors divisions. Visible or partially visible signs include:
The building’s curved façade displayed the individual General Motors automobile divisions in sequence, including Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick and Cadillac. Its streamlined architecture, prominent corporate lettering and automobile displays reflected the Century of Progress fair’s emphasis on science, industry, manufacturing and modern transportation.General Motors operated one of the most prominent corporate exhibits at the Century of Progress. The company’s large Art Deco exhibition building was designed by the architectural firm of Albert Kahn and presented General Motors automobiles, industrial technology and automobile-manufacturing demonstrations to millions of fair visitors.
The Century of Progress International Exposition opened along Chicago’s lakefront in 1933 to commemorate the city’s centennial. Because of its popularity, the fair reopened for a second season in 1934. The exposition celebrated technological advancement and modern industrial design during the depths of the Great Depression.
This image was almost certainly made during one of those two fair seasons. There is no dated inscription identifying whether it was taken in 1933 or 1934, so the most accurate date is 1933–1934.
The photograph is especially interesting because it provides a personal visitor’s view of the General Motors Building rather than a commercially composed architectural view. The woman, period clothing, exhibition signage, landscaped grounds, railings and building details all contribute to the image’s historical value.
The reverse is mostly blank and bears the penciled notation “BH $2.00,” apparently representing the initials and former price of a previous seller or dealer. This notation is not an original location or date caption.
This is an original period photographic print. It is not a commercially published postcard and is not a modern reproduction.
An appealing piece for collectors of world’s fairs, Chicago history, the Century of Progress, General Motors, Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, automobile advertising, Art Deco architecture, 1930s fashion or original vernacular photography.
Fair vintage condition with age-related and photographic imperfections.
The image is noticeably light and overexposed, particularly through the central portion of the photograph and the woman’s light-colored clothing. Some facial and clothing details are consequently washed out. Nevertheless, the woman, her hat and shoes, the exhibition building, railings, landscaping and important General Motors division signs remain identifiable.
The photograph exhibits general fading, uneven tonal contrast, scattered surface marks, small spots and light handling wear. There appears to be a faint diagonal crease or bend extending upward from the lower-left area. The white borders show mild discoloration and edge wear.
The reverse is largely clean with light age toning, minor marks and the penciled dealer notation “BH $2.00.” No original personal message, photographer’s stamp or dated fair inscription is present.
Please inspect both provided images carefully for the exact condition and appearance. The photograph is offered as an authentic historical image with visible age and photographic flaws.
ITEM SPECIFICS:
- Event: Century of Progress International Exposition
- Common name: Chicago World’s Fair
- Fair dates: 1933–1934
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
- Venue: Chicago lakefront
- Building: General Motors Building
- Exhibitor: General Motors Corporation
- Architect: Albert Kahn
- Visible divisions: Chevrolet, Pontiac and Oldsmobile
- Subject: Woman posing outside General Motors exhibit
- Era: 1930s
- Type: Original vintage photograph
- Format: Personal tourist snapshot
- Photograph color: Black and white
- Orientation: Vertical
- Theme: World’s fairs
- Additional themes: Automobiles, industry, architecture and fashion
- Architectural style: Art Deco/Streamline Moderne
- Original or reproduction: Original
- Postcard: No
- Posted or mailed: No
- Writing: Dealer notation on reverse
- Country: United States
- State: Illinois
- City: Chicago
