Wednesday, January 02, 2019
Ink-Slinger Profiles by Alex Jay: Gerald Altman
Gerald Selwyn Altman was born on on February 22, 1919 in Brooklyn, New York. His full name was found at an Ancestry.com family tree. His birth information is from the Social Security Death Index and the New York, New York, Birth Index.
In the 1920 U.S. Federal Census, Altman was the only child of Ellis, a Russian emigrant and salesman of ladies wear, and Bertha, a Hungarian. They lived in Manhattan at 96 Haven Avenue. The 1925 New York state census recorded Altman, his parents and sister in Manhattan at 79 Haven Avenue.
A different address for the Altmans was found in the 1930 census: 410 Riverside Drive.
According to the 1940 census, Altman was a coat salesman and his father was a coat manufacturer. Altman’s highest level of education was two years of college. The Altman family resided in Manhattan at 155 West End Avenue.
A marriage notice was published in the New York Times, October 11, 1942.
Altman–Goodman–Mr. and Mrs. Morris Goodman of 1836 East 18th St., Brooklyn, announce the marriage of their daughter, Gertrude, to Gerald Altman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ellis Altman of 98 Riverside Drive, Manhattan, Oct. 5.Altman enlisted in the army on November 13, 1942. At the time, he was a commercial artist. He was discharged August 28, 1943.
Information about Altman’s art training has not been found. Who’s Who of American Comic Books 1928–1999 said Altman was worked at several comics studios, from 1938 to 1945, including Eisner and Iger, Binder, Funnies Inc., and L.B. Cole. Some of Altman’s credits are here.
Around 1948 Altman joined the Siegel and Shuster Studio which produced the Funnyman strip. American Newspaper Comics (2012) said the series debuted October 11, 1948 and ran into Fall 1949. Alberto Becattini says Altman and Dick Ayers assisted Joe Shuster. Artist John Sikela also worked on it.
Altman passed away June 16, 1986. His last known residence was Jamaica, Queens, New York. He was laid to rest at Mount Judah Cemetery.
—Alex Jay
Labels: Ink-Slinger Profiles
Comments:
Gerald Altman was drafted into the army.
I don't know what formal art training he had if any. He had natural talent and upon graduation from high school in the midst of the Great Depression was unable to find employment without experience. Fortunately, he was able to gain experience doing artwork for the WPA.
A victim of McCarthyism black listing his publisher, he found employment doing artwork as a commercial artist. He sketched hair styles for a famous stylist. He also did the artwork for banners and memorabilia produced by Hanco Art Novelties.
In the late 1960's he also worked in comics under the pseudonym Galt for Fun and Pleasure newspapers.
I don't know what formal art training he had if any. He had natural talent and upon graduation from high school in the midst of the Great Depression was unable to find employment without experience. Fortunately, he was able to gain experience doing artwork for the WPA.
A victim of McCarthyism black listing his publisher, he found employment doing artwork as a commercial artist. He sketched hair styles for a famous stylist. He also did the artwork for banners and memorabilia produced by Hanco Art Novelties.
In the late 1960's he also worked in comics under the pseudonym Galt for Fun and Pleasure newspapers.
Bails also listed a Greg Altman, which I’m unsure if he’s a relative of Gerald or Gerald himself under an alternate name.
http://www.bailsprojects.com/bio.aspx?Name=ALTMAN%2c+GREG
- Daniel
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http://www.bailsprojects.com/bio.aspx?Name=ALTMAN%2c+GREG
- Daniel
