Known to be one of the initial mad men of Madison Avenue’s competitive advertising scene, MacCauley “Mac” Conner illustrated some of the most prominent ads of the 1950s and 1960s. The Original Mad Men: Illustrations by Mac Conner at the Upcountry History Museum highlights his use of dramatic perspectives and eye-catching patterns. Featured in popular publications like Cosmopolitan, The Saturday Evening Post, Good Housekeeping, and more, the allure of Conner’s prolific work helped to redefine American culture post World War II. With advertising at its peak, these pieces took part in altering the image of what Americans strived for, reflecting the American Dream and mirroring the values of the time.—Sydney Taylor
The Original Mad Men: Illustrations by Mac Conner will be on display at the Upcountry History Museum at 540 Buncombe Street, Greenville, until May 12. The museum is open Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–5pm, and Sunday, 1–5pm. For more information, visit upcountryhistory.org.
