The Society of Illustrators was founded on February 1, 1901, by a group of nine artists and one advising businessman.[1] The mission statement was "to promote generally the art of illustration and to hold exhibitions from time to time."[2]
Society of Illustrators members at the Berkeley Theater in Manhattan (February 19, 1914)
During the World War I years, Society members worked through the Division of Pictorial Publicity, creating many original poster designs, including James M. Flagg's US Army recruiting poster of Uncle Sam. Eight Society members, commissioned Captains in the Engineers, were sent to France to sketch the war. After the war, the Society operated the School for Disabled Soldiers.[1]