Archives Center, National Museum of American History

Guide to the Revlon, Incorporated Advertising Collection

Summary

Collection ID:
NMAH.AC.0939
Creators:
Revlon, Inc.
Dates:
1936-1986
Languages:
English
.
Physical Description:
2 Cubic feet
4 boxes
Repository:
Collection consists of print and television advertisements and promotional materials created by Revlon, Incorporated, 1936-1986.

Scope and Contents

Scope and Contents
Collection consists of print and television advertisements and promotional materials created by Revlon, Incorporated for its products dating from 1936 to 1986. Revlon experienced substantial growth using these materials and semi-annual promotions to become one of the leading brands of the cosmetics industry. The materials provide insight into the depiction and importance of beauty throughout the decades. Additionally, the names of models and photographers are identified on the materials. The collection is arranged in two series: Series 1, Revlon Advertisements, 1936-1986; and Series 2, Other Revlon Incorporated Brand Advertisements, 1965-1986.

Arrangement

Arrangement
The collection is arranged in two series.
Series 1, Revlon Advertisements, 1936-1986
Series 2, Other Revlon Incorporated Brand Advertisements, 1965-1986

Historical

Historical
Revlon began as a single product company in New York in 1932. The founders of the company American businessmen Charles Haskell Revson (October 11, 1906- August 24, 1975), Joseph Haskell Revson (October 11, 1906-August 24, 1975), and chemist Charles Lachman started the business with a desire to create a mainstream market for nail enamel. With an innovative manufacturing process and the introduction of new colors every year the company was able to build a successful brand and dedicated market. Revlon introduced lipstick in 1940 and continued to expand its product line to include skincare, cosmetics, hair color, fragrances, and beauty tools.
Source: New York Times obituary for Charles Revson, August 25, 1975.

Administration

Author
Vanessa Broussard-Simmons
Immediate Source of Acquisiton
The collection was donated by Martin Stevens in 2007.
Accruals
Additional materials were donated by Martin Stevens in 2008.
Existence and Location of Originals
Revlon, Incorporated maintains the original television commercials.
Processing Information
Collection processed by Kiley Orchard, intern, 2008; supervised by Vanessa Broussard-Simmons, archivist, 2008.

Digital Content

More …

Using the Collection

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Restrictions on Access
Collection is open for research but is stored off-site and special arrangements must be made to work with it. Contact the Archives Center for information at archivescenter@si.edu or 202-633-3270.
Preferred Citation
Revlon, Incorporated Advertising Collection, 1936-1986, Archives Center, National Museum of American History. Gift of Martin Stevens.

Related Materials
Materials in the Archives Center
Warshaw Collection of Business Americana (NMAH.AC.0060)
Albert W. Hampson Commercial Artwork (NMAH.AC.0561)
Cover Girl Advertising Oral History and Documentation Project (NMAH.AC.0374)
NW Ayer Advertising Agency Records (NMAH.AC.0059)

Keywords

Keywords table of terms and types.
Keyword Terms Keyword Types
Beauty culture Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Tear sheets Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Advertisements -- 20th century Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Women in advertising Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Commercials Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Compact discs Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Cosmetics Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Broadcast advertising Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Television advertising Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Cosmetics -- advertising Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Stevens, Martin Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid

Archives Center, National Museum of American History
P.O. Box 37012
Suite 1100, MRC 601
Washington, D.C. 20013-7012
Business Number: Phone: 202-633-3270
Fax Number: Fax: 202-786-2453
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