Mary Faulconer

Mary Faulconer (1911–2011) was a graphic designer, illustrator, art director, promotion director, design educator and painter. 

She was the first woman to design stamps for the United States Postal Service. Her 1978 Commemorative “Rose” stamp was the first U.S. multi-color stamp in a booklet form. It earned her the Gold Medal award from the American Rose Society. Her 1982 Commemorative “Love” stamp was the first in the series to be designed by a woman. It sold a record 889 million copies.

From 1930–1934, she attended the Philadelphia Museum School of Industrial Art. In 1935, Alexey Brodovitch appointed her as the instructor of the Design Laboratory as he relocated to New York City. She described it as quite an undertaking as she was the youngest woman instructor in an unsupportive male-dominanted administration. 

Following her work with Brodovitch she embarked on a prolific freelance career in editorial design and graphic design. Among her clients were: Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, Fortune, Life, Look, Seventeen, Glamour, Charm, as well as UNICEF, Dupont Paint, Stuben, and Franciscan China.

Since 1955, Faulconer has exhibited her art work widely in the United States. She has been recognized with awards including multiple Distinctive Merit Awards and Silver Medals from the New York Art Directors Club and the Philadelphia Art Directors Club. 

The collection was donated by Mary Faulconer in 2003. It consists of client files, scrapbooks, publications, and photographs.

_{An interview with Mary Faulconer in which she discusses her collection of illustrations and other materials. She speaks at length about her relationship with Alexey Brodovitch. Roger Remington, February 29, 1996.}