What is the Index of American Design?
The Index of American Design is a collection of over 18,000 detailed watercolor renderings of American folk and decorative arts, created between 1935 and 1942.
The Index aimed to celebrate America's usable past by showcasing the artistry in everyday objects and inspiring future generations of makers, artisans, and designers.
The project was part of the Federal Art Project, a work-relief program during the Great Depression that gave jobs to hundreds of artists while preserving American heritage.
The project's director, Holger Cahill, believed artists could capture the essential character of these objects with watercolors more successfully than photographs.
Artists documented objects like textiles, pottery, and furniture—capturing the beauty of American craftsmanship from the colonial era to the 1900s.
These works represent a unique moment in history—a celebration of creativity, heritage, and timeless design.
What is the Index of American Design?
The Index of American Design is a collection of over 18,000 detailed watercolor renderings of American folk and decorative arts, created between 1935 and 1942.
The Index aimed to celebrate America's usable past by showcasing the artistry in everyday objects and inspiring future generations of makers, artisans, and designers.
The project was part of the Federal Art Project, a work-relief program during the Great Depression that gave jobs to hundreds of artists while preserving American heritage.
The project's director, Holger Cahill, believed artists could capture the essential character of these objects with watercolors more successfully than photographs.
Artists documented objects like textiles, pottery, and furniture—capturing the beauty of American craftsmanship from the colonial era to the 1900s.
These works represent a unique moment in history—a celebration of creativity, heritage, and timeless design.