A Book Mark Would Be Better! — Arlington Gregg, 1936–1940

A Book Mark Would Be Better! is Arlington Gregg’s playful WPA-era lesson in caring for books. A simplified figure stands over an enormous open book, using a bright red iron to flatten its page. Set against a broad yellow field, the scene is constructed from economical areas of black, blue, red and white, with the looping electrical cord adding movement to the otherwise spare composition.

Produced in Chicago by the Illinois W.P.A. Art Project between 1936 and 1940, the poster turns practical advice into visual humor. Large red lettering announces “Book Mark,” followed by the handwritten message “would be better!” The intentionally exaggerated scene belongs to Gregg’s series of bold graphic designs encouraging careful book handling and preservation.

Artwork Details

• Artist: Arlington Gregg
• Title: A Book Mark Would Be Better!
• Original title: A book mark would be better!
• Series: WPA book-care posters
• Date: Between 1936 and 1940
• Period: WPA Era / 1930s
• Place of Origin: Chicago, Illinois, United States
• Medium: Silkscreen in color on board

Framed Print Details

• Fine art printing: Professional 12-color fine art printing technology produces vivid, accurate colors with strong tonal depth and significantly greater nuance than standard 4-color inkjet printing.
• Paper: Smooth premium matte paper with a clean, glare-free finish.
• Paper weight: 200 gsm (80 lb).
• Paper thickness: 0.26 mm (10.3 mils).
• Frame material: Durable pine wood.
• Frame dimensions: Approximately 20 mm (0.79 in) deep and 10–14 mm (0.4–0.6 in) wide.
• Protection: Shatterproof plexiglass protects the print while keeping the framed artwork lightweight.
• Ready to hang: A hanging kit is included, allowing the framed print to be mounted directly on the wall.
• Available sizes: Offered in a range of sizes to suit different spaces.
• Materials: Printed using FSC-certified paper and wood where available.
• Production: Each framed print is produced to order through a trusted international network of professional print studios.
• Shipping: Worldwide shipping is available.
• Made to order: There is no minimum order quantity. Each piece is printed and assembled on demand, reducing unnecessary stock and waste.

Exact frame dimensions, component availability, and production specifications may vary slightly depending on the selected size and destination.