Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2024.FIC.023 |
Object Name |
Block, Printing |
Title |
Municpal Building Printing Block 1 |
Description |
This gold rectangular printing plate features an embossed image of the Trenton Municipal Building, which is also known as Trenton City Hall. The building is depicted from the side, showcasing its impressive architectural features. The middle section of the image includes twelve grand Roman columns, beneath which are three arches and a staircase leading to the entrance. The columns are integrated into the structure, which is three stories tall on both sides. The first story is slightly larger and partially positioned beneath the columns. On each floor, there are multiple windows arranged across the facade: six on the first story, three on the second, and three on the third. Atop the building is a flagpole with an American flag flying high. The image is colored in various shades of gold, giving it a rich, classic look. On the right side of the block, there is a vertical inscription reading "708," while the back of the block is adorned with a piece of paper that includes an incomplete inscription for a printing company, "PHO-O VAN BUSK-RESS Inc. ET-RINTING. 109 EAST REET TREN," along with a logo reading "UBP" in a red circle. The Trenton Municipal Building was designed by Spencer Roberts, a Philadelphia-based architect, in 1907 and completed between 1908 and 1910. The building combines Renaissance and Beaux-Arts Classicism architectural styles, reflecting the grandeur of early 20th-century civic design. This printing plate was likely used to produce materials related to the building, such as pamphlets or other printed promotional materials. Citations: Trenton City Hall. New Jersey Historic Trust. (n.d.). https://www.nj.gov/dca/njht/funded/sitedetails/TrentonCityHall.shtml Trenton Municipal Building, 319 East State Street, Trenton, Mercer County, NJ. The Library of Congress. (n.d.). https://www.loc.gov/item/nj0921/ |
Date |
Early - Mid 20th Century |
Material |
Metal, Wood, Paper |
Artist |
Unknown |
Height (in) |
2.000 |
Length (in) |
0.750 |
Width (in) |
3.250 |
Condition |
Okay |
Condition Notes |
Overall: Accretions, discolorations, and abrasions throughout. Front: There are clear accretions on the center near the left side. Right Side: There is a black discoloration all over the left side. There may be a second inscription that is illegible. Back: The paper is torn at the bottom near the middle. There is upside-down writing that appears to spell out, "City Hall head page 3." The writing appears to be crossed out. THere is a light brown discoloration on the bottom. And finally, there are abrasions all over the edges. Left Side: There are abrasions all over. Also, there is a black discoloration all over the right side. Top: There is a black discoloration on the right side. There is a white accretion on the center near the middle. And finally, there are black accretions all over the center. Bottom: There is an abrasion on top near the right side. There is a black discoloration all over the right side. And finally, the sticker is torn at multiple points |
Inscription Type |
Inscription |
Inscription Location |
Right Side, Center, Middle |
Inscription Technique |
Etched |
Inscription Text |
"708" Line 1 Inscription Stamped Back, Top to Bottom, Left to Right "PHO O" Line 1 "VAN BUCK RESS" Line 2 "ET RINTING" Line 3 "UBP 109 EAST REET" Line 4 "TREN" Line 5 Inscription Stamped Bottom, Center, Middle "2233" Line 1 |
People |
Spencer Roberts |
Classification |
Architecture Historic Sites |
Subjects |
Cities & towns City & town halls Civic leaders Politicians Politics & government Historic buildings Historic sites Printmaking Printmaking equipment Metalwork Metalworking Writing Writing materials Wood Wood blocks Paper Journalism Journalists Newspaper editors Newspaper industry Newspapers Political activity Politicians Politics & government |
Search Terms |
Spencer Roberts Gold Printing Block Printing Plate Letter Press Trenton Paper Metal Wood Muncipal Building City Government Municpal Building Printing Block Trenton |
Provenance |
Found in collection |