Mole & Thomas
As World War I rages across Europe, Arthur S. Mole and John D. Thomas took an interesting approach to helping the war effort and boosting the morale of soldiers. Incredible as it may seem, their art form was one of “living photographs”: assembling amorphous masses of men (10,000 and beyond) at army bases into patriotic portraits. “Government permission through publicity and various other departments were necessary, grounds arranged, a seventy-five-foot tower built, and thousands of yards of tape layered on the ground to mark the lines.”
These masters of spectacle even had the foresight of planning for distance: a representation of Lady Liberty used just 2,000 men for the body of the figure (in the foreground) but 12,000 men for the torch (in the far distance)!
Fear not, consumers of the world! These men were prime marketers: “Mole was a good capitalist, offering — for sale — copies to everyone in the photos.” Which means that there are probably hundreds to find on eBay as collecters items.
October 21st, 2007 at 9:32 pm
Dear Sir:
Where my I obtain copies of the Mole & Thomas military group photos? My father (deceased) was a WWI vet. Thanks for your help. John Fleak.
jefleak@ aol.com
November 6th, 2007 at 8:17 am
I wish to purchase copies of the photos. My father served in the Army in WWI. He is now deceased, but I want to put these pictures in his Memory Book.
Thank you, A. Armantrout
November 13th, 2007 at 4:04 pm
Does anyone know the date of the Lady Liberty photo. My grandfather was in the 42nd,168th from Iowa. I know the dates he as at fort dodge, thought he might be in there.
November 14th, 2007 at 8:13 am
I’m looking too and would like to hear if you find out where to find copies. If I find out, I’ll let you know.
Hope we find them.
Thanks, Nancy
nwcriss@hotmail.com
January 3rd, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Apologies that it took so long to reply. I found a number of the Mole & Thomas photographs for sale, here on eBay. The original article that I read about Mole & Thomas was in an issue of Martha Stewart Living, and the magazine’s website might be able to provide more information and background.