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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Balancing Act
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.

Balancing Act

Artifact ID1987.00948.01
Object Type Cartoon
Artist (Cartoonist; White House Staffer, Special Assistant to the President, Director of Public Affairs, Washington, DC)
Date October 16, 1987
Medium Paper, Ink, Metal
Dimensions12 3/4 × 9 3/4 in. (32.4 × 24.8 cm)
Physical DescriptionAn original cartoon is in a white mat and silver frame. The cartoon is drawn on White House stationary, lettered “THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON” in blue across the top. The drawing is of President Ronald Reagan doing a balancing act on a ball with an American flag design. He is wearing a tuxedo and bowtie and holding a top hat with a star design in his right hand and a conductor’s baton in his left hand. He is standing on one foot on the ball in front of a music stand, and the ball is balancing on a piece of wood over a cone with a star design. The cartoon is lettered “To President Ronald Reagan on October 16, 1987 by T. Gibson” across the bottom. The frame has a blank cardboard backing.
Historical NoteThe cartoon was a farewell gift to President Reagan from Tom Gibson, the Special Assistant to the President, Director of Public Affairs, when Gibson left the White House in 1987.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Ronald Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President Office of Correspondence and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction Note© Thomas Fenner Gibson III
Copyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.