Who designed the physical bronze Newbery Medal?

The physical bronze Newbery Medal was designed by René Paul Chambellan.

Frederic G. Melcher, the publisher and major supporter who helped establish the Newbery Medal, arranged for the medal to be designed in 1921. Chambellan was a sculptor and medal designer whose work included large public sculptures as well as award medals. The medal is struck in bronze, and the recipient’s name and award year are engraved on the back.

The Newbery Medal was first awarded in 1922, making it one of the earliest major children’s book awards in the United States. Its inscription preserves the historical wording “Children’s Librarians’ Section,” even though the organization responsible for the award has changed names and is now the Association for Library Service to Children.

A common mix-up is Frederic G. Melcher, who donated and promoted the award but did not design the medal. Randolph Caldecott was the English illustrator after whom the companion illustration award is named, while Robert Lawson was an author and illustrator associated with children’s books rather than the Newbery medal’s physical design.