furniture
Sliding into Spring Fashion…and More in 1915
With just one glance at the front cover of this trade catalog, it appears like Spring is on the way. A lady is surrounded by flowers. Purple ribbons accessorizing her outfit are gently blowing in the breeze. Let’s take a look at what consumers might have stumbled across in 1915 while perusing this mail order/department store catalog.
Pen, Paper, and Mail: Shopping and Corresponding
Today, most people are familiar with online shopping but some might also remember mail ordering. While one method uses computers, the other relies on paper. However, there are similarities. Both allow consumers to shop from the comforts of home, and both require mailing and shipping at some point. Then, items are delivered direct to the customer’s door. The Trade Literature Collection includes a variety of mail order catalogs. Let’s take a look at one from 1907.
Vintage Furniture Finds from the Early 20th Century
Before online outlets and a certain Swedish superstore, imagine decorating and furnishing a new home in the early 20th Century. What did your furniture look like? What curtains or window hangings did you choose? How did you communicate with your neighbors?
19th Century Furniture Options for Style and Storage
Every dwelling has its own unique qualities. How do you make your space reflect your personality? The furniture, decorations, and wall hangings all combine to make it feel like home. Let’s flip through the pages of a trade catalog and discover the possibilities of furnishing a home long ago.
Kovový Nábytek / / Vichr a Spol.
Kovový Nábytek
Jacob & Josef Kohn of Vienna
The Cabinet of Natural History and American Rural Sports
The New American Desk and Settee , The Triumph (1874 cover)
Standard Solid Back Settee , Plain Wood Settee
Standard High School Desk , Standard Normal School Desk
Standard Spindle Back Settee , Gothic Folding Seat Settee
Teachers' Desks , Umbrella Stand
Teachers' Desks
Teachers' Chairs
Smith's Patent Chair with Elastic Joint
Patent Gothic Normal Desk
Patent Gothic High School Desk
New Patent Gothic Desk
Patent Standard School Desk
Gothic Adjustable Desk , Patent Standard Chair Desk
Assistant Teachers' Table , Teachers' Table Desk
New Gothic Removable Assembly Seat , Folding Leaf Desk Attachment , Rustic Folding Seat Settee , Rustic Reversible Back Settee
New Gothic Folding Desk
Antique Furniture from Sloan's Homestead Architecture
The Elsey School Furniture Company from The American stationer.
Birmingham Brass Catalogue
Birmingham, Englad was known as the first manufacturing town in the world and played a central role in the manufacturing and production of trade catalogs. Trade catalogs emerged as a new and effective way to market industrial design to the masses while competing with rival firms. This brass trade catalog used detailed engravings to sell a diverse group of mass-produced metal products.
On the Use of the Improved Papier Mache
The Cooper Hewitt Library has a wonderful collection of 19th century ornament pattern books, patterns that continue to inspire artists and designers today. The Library also collects books about the use of materials and techniques.
