"Everybody’s Happy” Original Calendar Proof Art by Lawrence Wilbur Circa 1940s

Original pre-production proof art, unlike mass printed reproductions, represent one of the early working stages of commercial illustration — it was the artwork reviewed and approved before mass production — making it a distinctive survivor from the golden age of American advertising art.

Born Lawrence Lazear Wilbur in 1893, Wilbur studied art in New York City after being raised in Omaha, Nebraska. He went on to establish a successful career as a commercial illustrator, producing work for calendars, advertising campaigns, lithographs, billboards, and major publications including The Saturday Evening Post. His career reflects the golden age of American commercial illustration. Wilbur passed away in 1976.

The heartwarming subject and clean mid-century composition make this piece ideal for framing in a kitchen, hallway, or cottage-style interior. Matted in soft ivory or warm white and paired with a simple wood frame, it complements farmhouse, Americana, and nostalgic décor themes while celebrating classic American illustration.

Historical Reference

The composition originates from an oil painting by Lawrence Wilbur, confirming that the image was first created as a studio illustration before adaptation for calendar reproduction. A surviving oil version of this work is documented in the contemporary secondary art market, reinforcing the authenticity and artistic origin of the present commercial proof.

The piece was acquired in Joliet, Illinois, historically home to the Gerlach-Barklow Company, one of the leading American art calendar publishers of the early twentieth century. While the print itself is unmarked, the discovery location reflects the broader Midwestern calendar printing industry active during this period.