Dedication of the Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery 1963 [Ivan Chermayeff]

The Irretrievable Opportunity of Serving the Young, Dedication of the Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery with remarks by Frank Stanton, President of Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc., University of Nebraska, May 16, 1963. 6 x 10, n.p. [pp. 32 plus covers]. Designed by Ivan Chermayeff.

An uncommon, dedication booklet to coincide with the newly built Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery, “the best designed, most beautiful small museum in America today,” by the architect, Philip Johnson. With an Introduction by Clifford M. Hardin, Chancellor of the University of Nebraska. Followed by thoughtful remarks about the function of an art museum by Frank Stanton under the headings: Genius and Eminent Good Sense, An Eloquent Reminder, The Irretrievable Opportunity, The Broad Function of the University Museum, and the Experience of Seeing.

“The great advantage of the university museum is the irretrievable opportunity of serving the young, before the patterns of observation and experience are structured, while there is still a kind and degree of openness that are crowded out in later life.”

A thoughtful publication with stiff, photographed marbled paper covers and a gold foiled stamped title. Heavily illustrated with (15) single and double page spreads featuring rich, black and white architectural photographs by Ezra Stoller and Kaz Tada. A fine booklet with a hint wear. Printed in an unknown quantity.