Swain School of Design 1950-1959

1881-1902 | 1903-1919 | 1920-1929 | 1930-1939 | 1940-1949 | 1950-1959 | 1960-1969 | 1970-1979 | 1980-1988 

Swain’s main focus in the 1950s was on preparing students for careers in commercial art and design.

The two main courses of study listed in catalog of the early 1950s were Fashion Illustration and the Commercial Art. These were four year courses leading to a diploma. In 1957 Fine Art (Drawing and Painting) was offered as a four year course in addition to Commercial Art and Fashion Design. The Depression and World War II took its toll on the school financially. Many of the wealthy families on which the school had depended saw their fortunes diminished. Although they had been charging fees for many years, the Swain School of Design first charged tuition in 1950, at a yearly rate of $150. By the mid 50s the tuition was $185 a year.

Swain School of Design celebrated its 75th anniversary in 1956.

Faculty in 1955

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