New York World Fair - OUCA401

The New York world fair first took place in 1939, at the height of 'The Great Depression', and posed as an international exposition in order to lift the country's morale and spirits. It was promoted as the "dawn of a new day" and "the world of tomorrow", and a committee led by Grover Whalen planned, built and organised fair exhibits. These exhibitions caused people to be inspired by the innovations in the arts, science and technologies. The fair's exhibits drew in audience of 44 million over the two seasons, it was the biggest international event since WWI.

Bernbach was a ghostwriter on the advertising committee during the event, after being recognised for his abilities to take on new innovations within advertising, incorporating creativity, simplicity and humour. After the event, he began work in several agencies before starting his own in 1949, known as DDB. Bernbach valued intuition over science and considered advertising as an art form that consisted fundamentally of persuasion.

He is now remembered as a driving force in the advertising field, and is responsible for placing creative minds in positions that were once held by uncreative businessmen.