T.N. Thompson

"Want to See Me Swing My Baton?" by T.N. Thompson

8x10in.

Sketch and watercolor

1952

"I Certainly Keep Abreast of the Times" by T.N. Thompson

8x10in.

Sketch and watercolor

1952

     T.N. Thompson was Earl MacPherson's assistant starting in 1948. His original name was Jerry Thompson but he chose to sign his artwork under the pseudonym 'T.N.' to protect his identity.

     In 1951, Thompson had taken on the responsibility of painting the annual 'MacPherson SKetch Book' for the Shaw-Barton Calendar Company because MacPherson's Polio was too advanced.

     Thompson continued painting for the calendar until 1958 when he started selling his images to the John Baumgarth Calendar Company. 

     In 1952, Thompson's image "Want to See Me Swing My Baton?" issued in that edition of the calendar became Thompson's most famous pinup. More than a million copies were sold to advertisers who wanted the All-American look.

     In 1958, he created his own calendar titled "Studio Sketches" that didn't sell very well. Later in his life, he became more of a cartoon artist and ended pu moving as far away as possible from MacPherson's influence.