A Century of Progress – Chicago 1933

Huge decorative tapestry showing the grounds of the 1933 Century of Progress in Chicago.

The shimmering blue waters of Lake Michigan spread out across the horizon on this beautiful woven tapestry, created as a souvenir for purchase by attendees of the 1933 Century of Progress in Chicago. The bird’s-eye view presents the fairgrounds along the lakefront, dominated by the Sky Ride and Soldier Field in the foreground. Other prominent buildings, the city skyline, and the fair midway are also included within the image.

Watercraft of all types and sizes ply the waters of the lake and adjoining lagoon, and numerous aircraft, like the Graf Zeppelin and several seaplanes, fill the sky. The distinctive shape of the Italian Savoia-Marchetti aircraft, piloted by Italo Balbo and his fellow aviators during the Decennial Air Cruise, is unfortunately absent.

I’ve been unable to identify an artist’s signature or any manufacturer’s marks, but the tapestry was produced in at least two other, smaller variants. This appears to be the most exclusive edition – the largest and incorporating the most variety in color. All examples are uncommon on the market.