Decorative arts are here defined as artifacts of household utility and decorative function made of glass, ceramics, metal, wood, or a combination thereof.
About the Collection
The Western Reserve Historical Society decorative arts collection is comprised of about 3,500 artifacts dating from the late 18th through the mid-20th centuries. Decorative arts are here defined as artifacts of household utility and decorative function made of glass, ceramics, metal, wood, or a combination thereof.
Earlier dated items through the 1870s reflect predominantly the tastes of the affluent section of Western Reserve society, but there are nonetheless many fine examples of artifacts owned and used by laborers. Later dated items late 19th through the mid-20th centuries are more representative of a broad swath of cultural and class groups. These, predictably, reflect the tastes and consumer habits of America’s growing middle class.
