Born in a suburb outside of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in 1894, New moved to Milwaukee after World War I.  While in Milwaukee, New achieved recognition as a respected commercial artist and etcher.  He made etchings of many Milwaukee buildings and area colleges and universities, including Marquette University, which was called the “best-etched” American campus in 1958.  Many reproductions of his etchings are still utilized by the university.  In addition to buildings, George New etched and painted several portraits of prominent Milwaukeeans.  One of New’s most widely known etchings was a portrait of General Billy Mitchell, made from World War II photographs.  He was also employed as a commerical artist for the Miller Brewing Company.   Many of New’s etchings were accepted by the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Other images from the collection are featured in the display case in Memorial Library's south (Joan of Arc) entrance display case through the month of June.