Furniture history and design archival collection

Collection

Identifier: Collection 335

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Included in this collection are materials which support the historical research and departmental strengths in the area of furniture history and design, but which are typically out of scope in terms of the traditional local, West Michigan regional and Michigan collecting of the department and the archives in particular.

Due to limitations on funding and space, this collection is not the primary acquisitions focus of the department. But, national and international furniture history and design materials which become available, primarily as gifts or transfers within the library, are housed here when they need archival housing and/or description.

Dates

1876-1997

Extent

9.7 Linear Feet (15 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection is a sibling to the Furniture Design Book Collection that is housed in the Furniture Room in the Grand Rapids History & Special Collections department. This archival collection is unique within the Grand Rapids Public Library Archives, in that it documents national, and to a limited extent international, rather than local and regional historical information. This national literature serves as a reference source to those studying the history of the furniture industry in the United States. Grand Rapids, which is historically known as the “Furniture City,” is a significant part of that heritage. Included at present is a kit of paper furniture models, graphic clippings notebooks and several trade catalogs from non-Michigan furniture companies.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Various donors and accession numbers, including P2003.027c.

Related Materials

Coll. 232, GRPL Furniture Trade Catalog Collection, for catalogs related to the Grand Rapids furniture industry.

Coll. 233, GRPL Furniture Industry Collection, for other printed matter associated with Grand Rapids furniture companies.