Workbench Magazine: March-April 1959 Issue
Vintage periodical/Graphic design, mass-market offset lithograph on paper • Modern Handcraft, Inc. (Publisher), editorial staff and uncredited commercial photographers/graphic designers
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern, Post-War Americana, Commercial Realism
Medium & Technique
Mechanical offset printing, commercial lithography on magazine stock paper
Creation Period
March-April 1959
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 8.5 x 11 inches, vertical portrait format
Subject Description
A lifestyle-oriented cover featuring wood paneling interior design. It depicts a woman in domestic leisure seated on a shag rug, a man working with wood in an inset photo, and Asian-inspired decorative motifs (Buddha statue, wicker furniture) common in late 50s Western decor.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; shows visible signs of age including surface wear and edge softening
Estimated Market Value
$15 - $35
Auction Estimate
$10 - $25
Provenance History
Original subscription mailing label attached for 'Eldon Buschue' of Palm Springs, California; typical private estate ownership likely
Art Historical Significance
Represents the DIY 'How-to' culture of post-WWII America. It documents the aesthetic transition to wood veneer paneling and the democratization of interior design through hobbyist publications.
Notable Features
Includes the original subscription address label and the '35¢' price point; the typography of the 'Workbench' masthead is a classic example of 1950s bold sans-serif display type.
Condition Issues
Visible mailing label at bottom right, corner bumping, surface scuffs, possible minor foxing or oxidation of paper fibers, and spine wear consistent with handling.
Conservation Recommendations
Store in an acid-free, archival-quality sleeve with a backing board. Keep away from direct UV light to prevent ink fading and paper acidification.