The Beautification of America issues of 1966 and 1969 were a result of initiatives by President Lyndon Johnson’s wife, Claudia “Lady Bird” Johnson, to advocate for the beautification of public spaces, particularly public roadways and parks. The four 1969 stamps were issued to support gardening in public spaces. Because of Lady Bird’s extraordinary efforts, the country gained thousands of new flowering plants and trees, such as daffodils, azaleas, and Dogwood trees.
Beautification of America Issue
Beautification of America concept stamp art
ISSUE Beautification of America
MEDIUM paper; photograph; gouache; ink
ILLUSTRATORS Robert Jones and Howard Milner
ART DIRECTOR Walter D. Richards
FIRST DAY OF ISSUE January 16, 1969
As a result of Lady Bird Johnson’s continued advocacy of the beautification and conservation campaign, the Johnson Administration (through the US Post Office Department) issued additional stamps supporting her efforts. Several artists were involved in the design of the 1969 stamp, and Lady Bird played a role in selecting the final design, emphasizing government and community beautification efforts.
Beautification of America concept stamp art
ISSUE Beautification of America
MEDIUM paper; photograph; gouache; ink
ILLUSTRATORS Robert Jones and Howard Milner
ART DIRECTOR Walter D. Richards
FIRST DAY OF ISSUE January 16, 1969
This was one of the final concept images that focused on the Washington, DC Tidal Basin and its blooming cherry blossoms. After reviewing this image and others, the Johnson White House wanted to see a comprehensive design highlighting beautification efforts from the community to the national level.
Plant for a More Beautiful America approved stamp art
ISSUE Beautification of America
MEDIUM paper; gouache; ink
ILLUSTRATOR Gyo Fujikawa
FIRST DAY OF ISSUE October 5, 1966
The 1966 Beautification of America stamp was issued to support public beautification projects advocated by Lady Bird Johnson. The stamp’s image shows Japanese cherry trees in full bloom around Washington, DC’s Tidal Basin with the Jefferson Memorial in the background. It was intended to “make a showcase of beauty on the Washington Mall” and encourage public interest in beautification and conservation projects.
Beautification of America stamps
Beautification of America approved stamp art
ISSUE Beautification of America
MEDIUM board; gouache
ILLUSTRATOR Howard Milner
ART DIRECTOR Walter D. Richards
FIRST DAY OF ISSUE January 16, 1969
The approved art for the 1969 Beautification series was expanded to four stamps to market Lady Bird Johnson’s initiative to beautify public spaces at all governmental levels, from Federal to state and local. This stamp art conveys beautification of public spaces through flowering plants such as tulips, daffodils, and blooming trees.
