Ford Motor Company Measurement Poster, "Fathom," circa 1960

Summary

This poster is part of a portfolio illustrating the history of measurement. As several of these posters make clear, early units of measurement were sometimes based upon the bodies of "average men" or royalty. Using a dynamic, simple illustration style, these posters reveal how the standardization of measurements aided the growth and refinement of industrial, precision, and scientific processes.

This poster is part of a portfolio illustrating the history of measurement. As several of these posters make clear, early units of measurement were sometimes based upon the bodies of "average men" or royalty. Using a dynamic, simple illustration style, these posters reveal how the standardization of measurements aided the growth and refinement of industrial, precision, and scientific processes.

Artifact

Poster

Date Made

circa 1960

 On Exhibit

By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center

Object ID

2016.98.3

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Photomechanical processes

Color

Multicolored

Dimensions

Height: 18 in

Width: 21.75 in

Inscriptions

at bottom: Fathom / In Britain the Anglo-Saxon measure was the fathom, the length / accross (sic) two arms outstretched equal to 4 cubits or 6 feet. / RESEARCH AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT, FORD MOTOR COMPANY, DEARBORN, MICHIGAN

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